Legal - overview

Scotland has its own legal system that is different from England and Wales. For instance, there is no separate probation service; youth crime and offending is dealt through the Children’s Panel.

• About one and a half per cent of all Scottish jobs are in the custodial industry. (34,000)
• The majority of jobs are in the public sector.
• There are an increasing number of private sector firms working in the sector.
• Most solicitors work with private firms.
• The industry exists in all parts of Scotland.

Areas included

The role of the custodial or justice sector is to provide a safe and low crime environment to live in. It includes the following sub-sectors and activities:

• Community justice
• Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service
• Custodial care (prisons)
• Policing
• Scottish Court Service

The legal services sector provides a range of services for clients needing legal help. A solicitor is the first point of contact for clients; advocates represent clients in the courts on the instruction of solicitors.

• In the custodial sector, 70% of the jobs are with the eight Scottish Police Forces.
• There are just over 4,500 staff employed in the 15 Scottish prisons; managed by the Scottish Prison Service.
• Jobs in legal services are not always easy to get. (460 advocates and 9,100 solicitors in Scotland)