Legal Traineeships with Watermans
Applications for our 2026 Legal Traineeships are now open!
This one is for the real ones, the straight talkers, the grafters. Sound like you?
Submit your applications below by the 30th of January 2026.
Legal Traineeships with Watermans
Who are you?
If you are thinking of applying for a Legal Traineeship with Watermans, it’s important that you share our desire to succeed both personally and professionally.
We value individuality and a desire to work in a forward-thinking environment, so if this sounds like you, you are in the right place.
Find out more about your Legal Traineeship with Watermans below, as well as how to apply.
Please note that to be considered for a Traineeship this year, you must have achieved your Diploma by July 2026. Deadline for applications is Friday 30th of January 2026.
Who are we?
Watermans are a modern law firm and estate agency. We aren’t 100 years old, so the way we work isn’t either. We are all about making processes straightforward for our clients – and that extends to our team, too!
We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive place to work. Our team describes the values underpinning our company spirit as friendly, understanding, fair, professional and aspirational.
We speak like normal humans – no unnecessary legal jargon here. We strive to be the best and want to hear your ideas on how we can do that. Take a look at what our team has to say about Working with Watermans.
About the traineeship
Your legal traineeship with Watermans will be office-based for your first year. We offer hybrid working in the second year of your traineeship across our offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Dunfermline, and remotely from your own home.
As a trainee with Watermans, you will receive training from your direct supervisor as well as having a network of fellow trainees and colleagues to help you throughout your traineeship.
You will have the opportunity to manage your own caseload as part of your learning, however bear in mind – we don’t throw people in at the deep end! Instead, we focus on building confidence and capability over time. We also don’t measure billable hours, so there will be no need to bank your work. Your development is key to making the most of your traineeship, so focusing on the quality of your work is more important.
In addition to your on-the-job training and Continuing Professional Development, you can expect to take part in our enhanced training programme. This programme is tailored to develop your professional skills for the world of work, as well as being an opportunity to build your confidence through scenario-based skills practice.
Hear more from our current trainees and NQ solicitors below!
What does the recruitment process look like?
Our recruitment process is much like us - straightforward.
If you are interested in applying for a Legal Traineeship with Watermans, please submit your application to [email protected] using the link below. We accept applications in many forms, including a presentation, video application or via a traditional CV and cover letter. Choose a way that best suits you to showcase you and your personality.
We ask that if you send a video application, please limit this to 3 minutes in length, and presentations should be no more than five slides in length.
Submit your application hereLegal Traineeships with Watermans
Are you interested in applying?
If a Legal Traineeship with Watermans sounds like a bit of you, please submit your applications to [email protected] using the link below.
Deadline for applications is Friday 30th January.
How to apply
We accept applications in different forms, including presentations, video applications, or through more traditional means such as a CV and cover letter.
Please limit video applications to three minutes in length, and presentations to five slides. All applications can be sent to [email protected] using the link below.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Submit your application hereRiya Reji
“Beginning my legal traineeship at Watermans has provided me with valuable, practical experience from the outset. The team has been consistently supportive and approachable, creating an environment where I feel comfortable seeking guidance and building my understanding of the work. Taking responsibility for my own caseload has allowed me to develop my skills at a steady pace and gain a clearer sense of the professional standards and expectations within the firm.”
Riya, Year 1 Trainee Solicitor, Dispute Resolution
Lucas Irving
“Working at Watermans has been one of the most enjoyable work environments that I have been a part of! Being part of the Dispute Resolution team and having my own caseload from Day 1 has made it an invaluable learning experience to have a good amount of responsibility early on. Everyone is always happy to help, and it is such a supportive team. My knowledge and confidence have been growing every day, and I know that will continue into the future.”
Lucas, Year 2 Trainee Solicitor, Dispute Resolution
Hosniea Ghousi
“My traineeship so far has been rewarding. I’ve really enjoyed having a varied workload, which means I’m learning something new every single day. One thing I really appreciate about the traineeship is the open and supportive environment. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to ask questions, make mistakes and learn from them without feeling criticised. That’s been hugely valuable because it means I can focus on developing my skills with confidence. The firm’s buddy system is a big part of what makes this traineeship unique. My buddy is there to support and guide me, and having dedicated time each week to discuss questions, challenges, or anything I’m unsure about has been reassuring and has helped me progress faster.”
Hosniea, Year 2 Trainee Solicitor, Dispute Resolution
Robyn Lynch
“Having now progressed into my second year as a trainee at Watermans, I have been continuing to learn new things as well as develop my current knowledge which I apply to my case load every day. The support which I have received has been invaluable and having my own case holding has allowed me to feel independent whilst also being able to ask questions when required. Everyone is there to help each other and work together. I couldn’t ask for a better team and I look forward to building on my skills and knowledge over the next year!”
Robyn, Year 2 Trainee Solicitor
Bejna Demir
"Starting my Traineeship at Watermans in the Road Traffic Accident team has been a fantastic experience. From day one, I’ve been supported by an amazing team and given responsibility over my own cases, which has boosted my confidence. The fast-paced nature of RTA law is challenging, but with the constant guidance and encouragement from my colleagues, I feel fully supported in my development."
Bejna, Year 2 Trainee Solicitor, Dispute Resolution
Rachel Durward
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a Trainee at Watermans so far and have felt fully supported by my team who are always happy to help with any questions I may have. In the Dispute Resolution team, no two days are the same! I like that there is a lot of variety in my case load as it ensures that I am always developing my knowledge and understanding further."
Rachel, Year 2 Trainee Solicitor, Dispute Resolution
Kate Murray
“My traineeship was within the personal injury team at Watermans. It exposed me to various different types of claims from road accidents to fatal claims and occupiers’ liability. You are given your own case load which helps you get stuck in and actively manage clients and learn as you go. The team are always around to be asked any questions you have and provide support. Despite having your own case load the regular team meetings and 1 to 1s never make it feel like you are doing it on your own. The traineeship was diverse, exciting and supportive. There is a very open environment where you will not just be isolated to your own department so mix with other teams and chat to them when you can.”
Kate, NQ Personal Injury Solicitor
Michael McGinness
“Anyone with an interest in litigation should apply. You’ll be entrusted with your own caseload that will allow you to gain invaluable court experience, while working with a team that will give you all the guidance you will need.”
Michael, NQ Dispute Resolution Solicitor
Evie Brown
“From starting out as a trainee to now being a qualified solicitor, my journey has been filled with growth, learning, and plenty of rewarding experiences. Over time, I’ve developed a real passion for both residential and commercial conveyancing — I love the variety of work, from helping clients buy their first homes to guiding businesses through complex property transactions. Working at Watermans has played a big part in that journey. The supportive culture, collaborative team, and genuine commitment to client care make it a great place to work and continue developing as a solicitor. For new trainees, my advice is to embrace every opportunity to learn — ask questions, get involved, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Each experience helps you grow in confidence and skill, and before long, you’ll realise just how much progress you’ve made.”
Evie, NQ Conveyancing Solicitor
Ridha Mohammed
“My experience as a trainee has been both exciting and incredibly hands on. From the very start, I was given my own caseload, working with a wide variety of different cases that made each day different and engaging. Having such responsibility early on helped build my experience day by day, allowing me to grow quickly in both confidence and competence. It was a fast-paced learning environment where every challenge became an opportunity to improve. My strong bond with my fellow teammates made the experience even better. My advice to upcoming trainees would be that don’t be afraid to take on challenges and be confident in your work and ability to perform.”
Ridha, NQ Personal Injury Solicitor