But the actual careers they produce can be very different.
I’m looking to speak with Commercial Real Estate Solicitors in Edinburgh and Glasgow, particularly those from around 1 - 4 years PQE, who are starting to think about what sort of property lawyer they actually want to become.
There is active recruitment across the Scottish market at the moment, with firms looking for lawyers who can handle a broad mix of investment, development, leasing and asset management work.
That breadth matters.
Because there is a big difference between being good at processing transactions and building the judgement and confidence to take proper ownership of them.
By this stage of your career, you should probably be getting closer to clients.
Running more of your own deals.
Understanding the commercial rationale behind the transaction rather than just the legal mechanics.
And starting to develop a bit of identity around the work you are strongest at.
For some, that might be investment.
For others, development.
For others again, landlord and tenant work or asset management.
There is no single right route.
But there should be a route.
That is really what I would be testing if you are considering a move.
Not whether the new firm has a busier caseload.
Whether it gives you a better platform to become the lawyer you want to be.
The Scottish real estate market is active enough at the moment that good solicitors have options.
And if you have been in the same team for a few years, it is probably worth understanding how your experience compares.
You may decide you are exactly where you should be.
Or you may find there is a role offering broader work, more autonomy and a clearer progression path.
If you are a Commercial Real Estate Solicitor in Edinburgh or Glasgow from around 1 - 4 PQE and would like a confidential view of the market, speak to Neil Campbell at QED Legal.
I’ll give you a straight answer on what is out there, where your experience could fit and whether any of it is genuinely worth your time.
