Study 'opens up' legal profession

The study could lead to greater diversity in the legal profession

Lawyers are facing a major shake-up in their education and training which could allow more people to take up the legal profession.

The Law Society of Scotland is carrying out a "root and branch" consultation on the way solicitors are trained.

The web-based consultation, which includes an online questionnaire, will run for three months.

The Law Society's Liz Campbell said "We are starting with a blank sheet and open minds about this."

She said: "The more views the better."

Ms Campbell, the society's director of education and training, said: "We're asking everyone to fill out a main questionnaire which asks things like whether lawyers need a law degree, as opposed to simply passing appropriate exams; what form the traineeship should take; and the ongoing training and assessment requirements for practising solicitors."

Organisers hoped the study would increase flexibility for those wishing to become solicitors, while at the same time maintaining the best of what is an internationally recognised professional training.