[1] In 1532, the Writers to the Signet were included as members in the newly established College of Justice, along with the Faculty of Advocates and the clerks of the Court of Session.

In 1976 the Signet Office was merged into the General Department of the Court of Session and the society was relieved of any responsibility for it.

Its stated purpose is "promoting the highest standards in legal services"[5] through the provision of education services including the Professional Competence Course (PCC) and courses in continuing professional development (CPD).

The current Keeper of the Signet is Lady Elish Angiolini, former Lord Advocate of Scotland.

Although the society is a private body, the Register of Commissions forms part of the records of the Court of Session, held by the National Archives of Scotland.

Prominent associate members include Harvey McGregor KC and the late former President of Poland, Lech Kaczyński.