[3][4] Wolffe studied at the University of Edinburgh, graduating with an honours degree in law and a diploma in legal practice.

He then went on to study at Balliol College, Oxford to take a Bachelor of Civil Law degree.

After qualifying, he worked as Legal Assistant to the Lord President of the Court of Session.

He spent ten years practicing in commercial and public law, before serving as full-time prosecutor as Advocate Depute at the High Court of Justiciary from 2007 to 2010.

In February 2014, he was elected Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, replacing Richard Keen.

Prior to Nicola Sturgeon's re-election as First Minister, it was confirmed that both Wolffe and Solicitor General Alison Di Rollo, would resign as Scotland's law officers.