Recruitment and Retention of Lawyers
Ipsos was commissioned to conduct research exploring the recruitment and retention patterns of Scottish lawyers. The key driver for the research was predicted difficulties in the future supply of practitioners in some legal markets and the provision of lawyers in rural areas of Scotland. Ipsos first conducted a scoping exercise with a cross-section of trainees, assistants, experienced solicitors and those involved in the recruitment of legal personnel. This was followed by a telephone survey of solicitors and recruitment individuals across the legal profession.160 The full research report can be accessed here. Technical details The research comprised three key elements:160scoping interviews; interviews with career advisors; and a telephone survey. Scoping interviews In order to develop a detailed appreciation of the key issues, Ipsos conducted 35 depth interviews with a cross-section of trainees, assistants, experienced solicitors and those involved in the recruitment of legal personnel. Career Advisor interviews To develop an understanding of the initial steps taken by undergraduates in deciding where to apply for a traineeship, Ipsos conducted nine telephone depth interviews with160university and law school career advisors. The sample was drawn160from a list of contacts provided by160the Scottish Legal Aid Board.160 Telephone survey The final element of the research was a large-scale quantitative survey of solicitors and recruitment personnel. All solicitor interviews were conducted with solicitors currently practising and registered with the Law Society of Scotland.
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