Becoming an Advocate in Scotland?

I'm interested in getting a Law degree at Edinburgh Uni and becoming an Advocate. How would I go about this in Scotland? What's the difference between an Advocate and a Barrister? Also, what's the pay like?

Reply 1

yurayy

The legal profession in Scotland is devided into two branches, solicitors and advocates. To become a solicitor, you must complete an LLB degree, then complete the Diploma in Legal Practice (DLP) and undertake a two-year traineeship with a qualified solicitor. Then, you must undertake a further short period of study during the traineeship and sit a Professional Competence Test. You may be employed in private practice, local authorities, commertial org., etc. An intending advocate must also complete LLB, DLP and traineeship, followed by further practical training as a pupil to an experienced advocate and sitting the Faculty of Advocates' written examination in Evidence, Pleading, Practice and Proffesional Conduct.
LLB degree does not guarantee a place on any DLP - it is based on academic criteria, blah, blah, blah ...

that's what the Aberdeen Undergraduate Prospectus says, hope it answered some of your questions :smile:

Reply 2

MissAmy

To gain admission to the Faculty of Advocates, you have to get your LLB degree at no less than a 2:1 (and have completed courses in Jurisprudence, Roman Law & International Private Law), complete the DLP, and traineeship. You have to pass your bar exams then do a year's "develling", which basically is working (unpaid) under a Junior Council before you can qualify fully to the bar :smile:

As far as pay goes - you're self employed so your salary will reflect the reputation you earn for yourself.

Feel free to ask if I've missed anything out !