Trainee Solicitor Jobs
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Looking to begin your career in law and take the first step toward qualifying as a Solicitor? Trainee Solicitor jobs offer the ideal opportunity to develop hands-on legal experience while working alongside experienced professionals in a law firm or legal department.
At Stafffinders, we work with leading legal practices and corporate organisations across Glasgow, Edinburgh, and throughout Scotland, connecting aspiring solicitors with trainee roles that provide valuable exposure, mentorship, and career progression in the legal field.
What Does a Trainee Solicitor Do?
A Trainee Solicitor plays a crucial role in supporting qualified solicitors and partners by assisting with research, drafting legal documents, and liaising with clients. Trainees work under supervision to gain experience across a range of practice areas, from commercial law and conveyancing to litigation, probate, and family law.
During your traineeship, you’ll build the technical, professional, and interpersonal skills needed to qualify as a Solicitor, learning to manage cases, interpret legislation, and communicate complex legal concepts clearly to clients.Typical responsibilities include:
Assisting in preparing and reviewing legal documents and contracts.
Conducting in-depth legal research and preparing case notes.
Managing client files and maintaining accurate records.
Attending client meetings and taking detailed notes.
Supporting solicitors during court appearances and hearings.
Drafting correspondence and assisting with case preparation.
Liaising with clients, witnesses, and external stakeholders.
Trainees often gain experience across multiple departments to develop a broad understanding of legal practice before choosing an area of specialism.
Working Environment and Hours
Most Trainee Solicitors work around 37 hours per week, although longer hours are common in the legal industry particularly during busy periods or when working on complex cases. You’ll typically be based in an office, but some roles may involve attending court, client meetings, or external consultations.
Areas of employment for trainee solicitors include:
Private law firms (commercial, corporate, and high street practices).
Central and local government legal departments.
Financial and corporate institutions.
The Crown Prosecution Service and other public sector bodies.
This diversity of experience allows trainees to understand how different legal environments operate and where their career interests lie.
How to Become a Trainee Solicitor in Scotland
To become a Trainee Solicitor in Scotland, you must first complete the necessary academic and vocational training required by the Law Society of Scotland. The standard route includes:
LLB Degree in Scottish Law — or a first degree in another subject followed by a two-year graduate law qualification.
Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (DPLP) — a vocational course providing practical training in areas such as conveyancing, litigation, and legal ethics.
Traineeship (Training Contract) — a two-year period of supervised practice within a law firm or legal organisation, during which you’ll gain hands-on experience across various legal disciplines.
Upon successful completion of your traineeship, you can apply to be admitted as a qualified Solicitor in Scotland.
With further experience and training, Trainee Solicitors can progress to roles such as Senior Solicitor, Partner, Head of Legal Department, or even become Advocates.
Skills and Attributes for Trainee Solicitor Jobs
A successful Trainee Solicitor combines legal knowledge with strong analytical and interpersonal skills. You’ll need to be highly organised, motivated, and capable of handling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Key skills include:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking.
Ability to absorb, interpret, and apply complex information.
Confidence when liaising with clients and colleagues.
Time management and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
A genuine interest in law, research, and legal procedure.
Professionalism, discretion, and integrity.
Employers value trainees who demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from experienced professionals within their firm.
Start your legal career with confidence, explore Trainee Solicitor jobs with Stafffinders today.