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Glasgow is known to be the creative powerhouse of Scotland, with a wealth of music, art and architecture blending the old and revered with the new and experimental. If you’re craving a taste of life in this culturally rich, Scottish city, you’re in luck—there are abundant opportunities for lawyers.
Glasgow is also a great place to work if you’re interested in, or studied, Scottish law. A huge range of firms in Glasgow practice Scottish law, some of which are based solely in Glasgow, or across Glasgow and Edinburgh. In general, Glasgow makes a significant contribution to the Scottish economy, with 35% of Scottish people living in the wider Glasgow area. With such a large economic output, it’s not surprising that Glasgow has a steady and thriving legal sector.
There are full-service Scottish firms where you could be working in business, commercial real estate, the public sector, or with individuals and families. It’s worth noting that working for a prominent Scottish firm may link you up with branches elsewhere in Scotland, such as in Edinburgh, so the prospect of relocating within the country may also arise.
Some of the biggest national law firms with headquarters in London also have branches in Glasgow, so if you’d like to experience life at a top national law firm with a Scottish twist, Glasgow could serve you well.
Alongside full-service firms, there are a variety of specialist regional firms. You could find yourself practicing solely in criminal law, personal injury law, dispute resolution, property and corporate law, plus more.
Upon moving to Glasgow, it’s a good idea to investigate the Law Society Scotland—it runs an array of events in and around Glasgow, from socials to training opportunities. There’s also a dedicated Journal which will keep you up to date on everything going on in the Scottish law sector.
Glasgow is a place saturated with culture of every kind, and has drawn titles such as European City of Culture to prove it.
If you’re an art aficionado, Glasgow has a lot to offer—moving to the city means that you’ll be able to celebrate the biennial Glasgow International festival, which brings together the best art in the city and beyond. Glasgow’s status as a post-industrial city merges with its creative impulses to create a unique experience of the arts.
For architecture fans, Glasgow was home to the famous early-20th-century architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh; the city now has a museum showcasing his life and work.
Beyond visual art, you’ll find the Scottish Opera, the Scottish Ballet and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra are based in Glasgow, allowing for a rich cultural experience.
There are a wealth of smaller music venues across the city - most notably, perhaps, is King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, where Oasis signed their first record deal in 1993. Glasgow is also well-recognised for its techno and electronic music scenes.
Glasgow was named Europe’s Secret Capital of Music in 2004, so it’s more than likely that you’ll discover some up-and-coming music as a resident.
If you fancy a post-work tipple, head to Longest bar in Glasgow. If such an architectural marvel won’t convince you, maybe the Scottish drink prices will.
- Check out a contemporary art exhibition at the Centre for Contemporary Arts, or see how art meets industry at Tramway - a former tram depot turned art space.
- Experience Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s famous and iconic architecture over an afternoon tea at the Willow Tea Rooms.
- Vegans need not miss out - Glasgow is frequently hailed the UK’s vegan capital.
- Embark on Glasgow’s public art trail in the Merchant City - an area which is densely packed with public art and monuments.
- Get in touch with nature with a trip to the Clyde coast, just 25 minutes from the city centre, or head further afield to Loch Lomond.
- Catch the football derby between Celtic and Rangers, and get into the competitive spirit along with the city.
Glasgow has a frequent bus service, run by First Glasgow, to keep you connected to everywhere you need to be. A weekly ticket for a bus costs around £15. Glasgow also has its own underground rail system called the Subway, which serves 15 sations, and a train network. The bus, train and Subway systems are all managed by SPT. It is possible to buy a ticket that allows for unlimited travel across train, bus and rail.
Despite its northerly position within the UK, Glasgow is well connected. Glasgow Central is the main train station which connects the city to the rest of Scotland, England and Wales. It is the terminus at the end of the West Coast line, so you’re able to get to Glasgow directly from London Euston. The city also has an airport connecting it to the rest of the UK and beyond.
Jake grew up in Cornwall and attended secondary school there. Law was not something that pupils from their school went onto do, and certainly wasn't on initially on Jake's radar. After leaving school, Jake worked various hospitality jobs, at home and abroad for five years, until one summer they came to terms with the fact that hospitality wasn't something they wanted to do for a career. Jake was persuaded by a friend to call Aberdeen University admissions department and two weeks later they had their first Law and French lecture! Six years later and they are working as Scots lawyer!
The latest in our series of interviews with trainees from across the UK takes us to Glasgow. Kathleen Docherty, a trainee at Addleshaw Goddard, explains what life is like in the city, and gives us her top five reasons to live and work there.