Join Us Traineeships

It’s important to get a good start to your career in law, and with this in mind our Trainee programme has been designed to enable you to get the most from a combination of on-the-job training, courses and seminars. 

Yuill and Kyle's Rupa and Richard

Contributing to the success of our business

We aim to attract high-calibre Trainees who will contribute to the success of our business and who have obtained, or are on track to obtain, at least a 2:1 Scots Law LLB (or an equivalent Honours Degree in other subjects, combined with a degree in Scots Law). 

University Law Fairs 2023

MacRoberts will be attending the following Law Fairs during September and October 2023, and we would be delighted to meet you and have a chat about our traineeship opportunities:

  • University of Dundee: Thursday 28 September
  • University of Aberdeen: Tuesday 3 October
  • University of Strathclyde: Monday 9 October
  • University of Edinburgh: Wednesday 25 October

Throughout my traineeship, I have felt incredibly supported and valued as a team member, not only in the various practice groups but firm-wide. Everyone makes you feel welcome, and you are given real responsibility through engaging client work. I have learned many valuable skills and look forward to my next seats to come across the firm.

CHRISTI HANNAH TRAINEE SOLICITOR

Supporting your growth and development

We also specifically take into consideration your personal characteristics and are looking for excellent communication skills, sound planning and organisational skills as well as the ability to work as part of a team.

The application process for traineeships commencing in 2025 is now closed. Details of the application process for traineeships commencing in 2026 will be available in 2024.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my traineeship at MacRoberts, which has included six-month placements in contentious and non-contentious seats which has given me a valuable and more rounded perspective of the legal landscape. Throughout my traineeship, each team I have worked alongside has sought to involve me in a wide variety of exciting work and has supported me in my journey towards qualification.

GEORGIE NAYSMITH TRAINEE SOLICITOR

Life at MacRoberts

We are committed to providing the highest-quality service to our clients and recognise and value that our people play an essential role in our business and all that we do. As a leading Scottish SME law firm, we are proud of the collaborative and inclusive environment we have created for our staff, and we endeavour to ensure that our people are well-rewarded, well-motivated and well-led.

MacRoberts is a law firm where you can really make your mark. Let us be part of your success.

Find out more

I thoroughly enjoyed my six-month traineeship secondment in MacRoberts' Commercial Dispute Resolution team. Everyone was a pleasure and a privilege to work with, and the Partners ensured my exposure to a variety of interesting and engaging work. My gratitude also extends to the wider firm, where I have been made to feel welcome and a valued member of the organisation, and I will look back fondly on my time at MacRoberts.

JONATHAN WALKER TRAINEE SOLICITOR, SSE PLC

Traineeship FAQs

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about our traineeship programme. If you have any further questions, please contact us here.

  • I have applied for a traineeship – when will I hear back from you?

    We will acknowledge receipt of your application. Following this, we will get back to you after the closing date to confirm whether or not you have been selected for interview.

  • Do you only recruit trainees who have done a summer placement with MacRoberts?

    No. Although we recruit some trainees via our summer placement scheme, the majority are usually recruited via our traineeship programme.

  • What are the key qualities you look for in a trainee?

    We aim to attract high-calibre trainees who will contribute to the success of our business. Applicants should have strong oral and written communication skills, as well as excellent interpersonal skills. In addition, applicants should have good time management skills, be confident and proactive in problem solving and have a strong academic record.

  • What is the trainee salary?

    Trainee salaries are generally above and certainly no less than the Law Society of Scotland guidelines.

  • What is the interview process?

    The selection process comprises an interview with a Partner and member of the People & Development team. There is also a written assessment prior to interview. 

  • Can I choose my seats during the traineeship?

    There are generally four different seats during the two-year traineeship. While we ask for details of preferences before trainees start, and during the traineeship, business needs ultimately determine where trainees are placed.

  • What practice areas can I choose from?

    Some of the practice areas available are Banking & Finance, Commercial Dispute Resolution, IP, Technology & Commercial (IPTC), Projects, Construction, Commercial Real Estate, Employment, Pensions & Share Schemes and Corporate Finance.

  • Will I get the opportunity to meet clients?

    It is more than likely that you will be attending meetings with clients, and it will depend on which Practice Group you are in as to how involved you may become.

  • Where will I be based during my traineeship?

    Trainees will be asked for their preferred office location at application and interview stage, and we do our best to accommodate that.

  • Will I get to meet the other trainees before starting my traineeship?

    Yes. We host a trainee reception evening in March each year to enable current and incoming trainees to meet.

  • What happens after I have accepted an offer?

    When you have accepted a traineeship offer, we will keep in touch with you to invite you to the next trainee reception evening. We will also be on hand for any queries you may have regarding your traineeship.

  • What support will I get?

    When you join us, you will be assigned a 'buddy’ for the duration of your two-year traineeship, and they will be your point of contact for any questions you may have or for any support or advice required.

    You will also be assigned a mentor from the Practice Group in each seat of your traineeship, who will meet with you regularly and provide guidance and support.

    Karen Craig, People & Development Senior Adviser, is the main point of contact for trainees and she will monitor your training and reviews throughout your traineeship.

Our Awards & Accreditations

  • In 2016, we were one of the first law firms in Scotland to become accredited Living Wage employers.

  • Shortlisted for Firm of the Year at the Scottish Legal Awards 2022.

  • Winners of Corporate & Commercial Team of the Year and Family Law Team of the Year at the Scottish Legal Awards 2020.

  • Our Real Estate team won the Property Team of the Year Award at the British Legal Awards in 2018.

  • Winner of SME of the Year at the Scottish SME Awards 2017, hosted by Scottish Business Insider.

  • Highly Commended for Commercial Team of the Year at the British Legal Awards 2016.

  • In 2019, MacRoberts achieved Cyber Essentials Plus certification, a UK Government entry-level information security standard. 

  • MacRoberts holds the ISO 9001:2015 certification for Quality Management, the most widely recognised quality management system standard in the world.

  • Iso 14001 2015 Environmental Management

    MacRoberts holds the ISO14001:2015 certification for Environmental Management, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to environmental awareness.

  • MacRoberts holds the ISO27001:2013 certification for Information Security, an internationally recognised security gold standard.

  • Business continuity is a critical element of the Business Management System at MacRoberts and we hold full accreditation with the ISO 22301:2019.

  • MacRoberts is a member of IP Inclusive, a network of intellectual property professionals working to make our community more equal, diverse and inclusive.

  • We are active members of the PRIME Programme – an organisation that focuses on ensuring a career in law is open to talent from all economic and social backgrounds.

  • MacRoberts supports the Scottish Business Pledge, a values-led partnership between Government and business that is based on boosting productivity and competitiveness through fairness, equality and sustainable employment.

  • We are supporters of the Partnership for Change, a network of organisations and individuals who share a common ambition to improve diversity on boards and in senior leadership.

  • We are a member of the Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion (ENEI), a UK-based not-for-profit organisation which helps employers build and maintain diverse teams and inclusive cultures through our membership, training, and consultancy services.

  • MacRoberts was awarded enei's Silver TIDEMark for 2023. TIDE is enei's self-assessment evaluation and benchmarking tool which measures an organisation's overall approach and progress on diversity and inclusion.

  • MacRoberts is a Disability Confident employer, and are committed to disability equality across our firm.

  • MacRoberts fully supports flexible working practices and supports family-friendly working practices.

  • In 2022, MacRoberts received a Bronze Award in Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index for our commitment to LGBTQI+ inclusivity in the workplace.

  • MacRoberts is a longstanding member of Scotland Food & Drink, the leading trade association for Scotland's food and drink industry.

  • MacRoberts is an Associate Member of SELECT, Scotland's largest construction trade association.

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