A poll of Scotland’s legal fraternity has found increased optimism about the state of the economy north of the border.
The Law Society of Scotland commissioned survey of more than 500 solicitors involved in all aspects of legal work found 46% expected improvement in the economy this year while just 10% thought conditions would worsen in 2014.
The survey results included some stark contrasts such as the gulf in optimism levels between solicitors based in Perth and Dundee.
A total of 63% of Perth-based respondents believed the upturn would continue – the joint highest optimism figure recorded in the poll alongside Aberdeen – while just 40% were of the same view in Dundee, the lowest rating polled.
Property lawyers were the most optimistic about the prospects for their particular area of work, while those in emplyoment law and taxation were the most upbeat about the direction of the economy as a whole.
Civil and criminal litigation lawyers were the least confident about the future with just over a third expecting the economy to improve in the months ahead.
Law Society chief executive Lorna Jack said: “We know the effects of the recession are still being felt and that the further tightening of public budgets is likely to impact further.
“However there is much to suggest the solicitor profession has been robust in weathering the economic storm.
We have as many practising solicitors as we ever have. The number of unemployed lawyers has remained relatively small compared to some other jurisdictions. Trainee numbers are recovering from the sharp downturn of three years ago and we are still seeing a steady stream of people being admitted to the profession.
“Whilst fee income in legal firms has taken a hit, figures last year showed some firms have seen profits bounce back.”