Membership

There are many benefits to becoming a Member of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen including access to the extensive private library, discounted fees for CPD, and invitations to social events which provide invaluable opportunities to network with peers.

For those just starting out on their legal careers we have a Trainee and New Advocate (TANA) group.

Types of Membership

The Society offers three routes to Membership, which are:-

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Ordinary Membership

Ordinary Membership is available to Solicitors holding a current practicing certificate and allows a Member to style themselves as “Advocate in Aberdeen”

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Associate Membership

Associate Membership is available to those holding a non-Scottish legal qualification, paralegals and academics.

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Trainee Membership

Trainee Membership is available to those undertaking a Legal Traineeship with a firm located in the Sheriff Districts.

How to Join

Anyone wishing to apply for membership of the Society should complete the appropriate form and return it to the Society for consideration by the Management Committee.

If you are uncertain as to who may counter-sign your application as a proposer please contact the Executive Secretary who will assist you to identify a suitable Member.

See our privacy notice here.

Ordinary membership Associate membership Trainee membership

Fees

The current membership fees are on our Annual Contribution Notice as detailed here:

Annual Contribution Notice 2023-24

£112.50
Basic annual contribution

This is levied on Members during each financial year (running 1st October – 30th September)

 

A reduced annual contribution is payable in the following circumstances

£67.50

Members aged 65+

£67.50

Members who do not hold a current Practicing Certificate, do not hold any legal appointments and do not make material use of the Society’s Library

£67.50

Associate Members

£31.50
Members up to 5 years post-qualified (TANA)
£9

Trainee Members (TANA)

Where membership is granted during the financial year a proportional contribution, calculated on a quarterly basis, will be due.

The Society operates an Annuity Fund (closed to new members) and members of the fund who are under 65 as at 31 December in the financial year shall pay an additional contribution of £50.

Bye-Laws

In terms of the Royal Charters granted in 1774, 1799 and 1862 Bye-Laws have been enacted to govern the management of the Society.

The current edition of the Bye-Laws presently in force can be found here.