The Diploma in Professional Legal Practice is a mandatory phase of training to become a solicitor. You must have received an LLB from an accredited provider to undertake the Diploma and you must have a valid Diploma to be eligible to work as a trainee solicitor. Evidence of this will be required for you to be granted an entrance certificate by the Law Society of Scotland.
The Diploma is part of the Law Society of Scotland's Professional Education and Training (PEAT) programme:
- PEAT 1: Diploma in Professional Legal Practice
- PEAT 2: Traineeship
General considerations before applying for the Diploma
It's essential that you are fully informed about your position before applying for the Diploma. Make sure you have read all of the information available to you in this section about the different providers, application process and funding arrangements.
It's also important to have considered your employability after the Diploma. There is no guarantee that Diploma graduates will obtain traineeships and it is essential that all applicants understand the realities of the current employment market.
Information on when and how to apply for the Diploma, plus in-depth information on how the selection process works.
There are currently six providers in Scotland which are accredited by the Law Society of Scotland to offer the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice. Do your research to find out which option suits your best.
Your Diploma is valid a specific period of time after it is granted. You must have a valid Diploma in order to obtain an Entrance Certificate to start a traineeship. Find out more about your Diploma's validity period and how to apply for an extension.
Find out about what funding options are available to law students, including loans for the LLB and Diploma and grants and bursaries available for you to apply to.
PEAT 1 is commonly known to students, universities and the profession as the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice. This vocational stage is the stage of legal education where knowledge, skills, attitudes and values are learned in a simulated environment.
The PEAT 1 Outcomes that a student requires to achieve over the course of the Diploma are listed below, alongside the guidance.
Students undertaking PEAT 1 will have more choice and flexibility in their course and up to 50% of the course can be made up of electives.
