Law Society of Scotland practising certificate fees for in house solicitors: FOI release

Information requested

1. Does the Scottish Government cover the costs of the Law Society of Scotland practicing certificate fees for its in-house solicitors?

2. Are there any specific criteria or policies that determine which solicitors' practicing certificate fees are paid by the Scottish Government?

3. How many in-house solicitors employed by the Scottish Government have had their practicing certificate fees paid by the government in each of the last three financial years?

Response

1. Does the Scottish Government cover the costs of the Law Society of Scotland practicing certificate fees for its in-house solicitors?

Yes, The Scottish Government meets the costs for practising certificates for its in-house solicitors within the Directorate for Legal Services.

2. Are there any specific criteria or policies that determine which solicitors' practicing certificate fees are paid by the Scottish Government?

Holding a practising certificate with the Law Society of Scotland entitles members to practise as a solicitor in Scotland. The Scottish Government meets the cost for the practising certificates for its inhouse solicitors who require this to undertake their role.

3. How many in-house solicitors employed by the Scottish Government have had their practicing certificate fees paid by the government in each of the last three financial years?

Financial Year	Number of certificates
2023/24	231
2022/23	228
2021/22	208

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.