Legal Traineeships with Watermans
Applications for Legal Traineeships in 2024 with Watermans are now closed.
If you would like to be a Trainee with Watermans next year, applications will open in January 2025!
Legal Traineeships with Watermans
Who are you?
Applicants for our Legal Traineeships must share our drive to succeed both personally and professionally. We value individuality and a desire to work in a forward-thinking environment – which is why we welcome applications through traditional (and not so traditional!) means.
Send us your CV, get creative with Google Slides or send us a video application – we want to get to know you, so showcase your personality!
Applications for our 2024 Legal Traineeships are now closed. We will be recruiting for next year in January 2025!
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. If you don’t believe us, 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 the first year. We offer hybrid working in the second year of your traineeship across our offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee, and remotely from your own home.
As a trainee with Watermans, not only will you receive training from your direct supervisor – you will also have a network of fellow trainees and colleagues to help to guide you through the process. Your colleagues at Watermans will be from a diverse range of backgrounds, which enhances how we think, work, and resolve in our industry.
We don’t throw people in at the deep end – instead we focus on building capability and confidence over time. And, we don’t measure billable hours – so no need to continuously bank your work.
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.
Take a look at what our current trainees have to say below.
What does the recruitment process look like?
Applications for our Legal Traineeships will open in January 2025. Don’t forget, you can apply in a way that showcases you and your personality, so send us your CV, a presentation, a video application – whatever way suits you.
After this, the next stage is the selection process, which takes place in February and March.
Offers will be confirmed in April, so if you’re a successful candidate – we’ll see you in the summer of 2025 for the start of your traineeship!
Are you interested in applying?
Applications for 2024 are now closed – but keep your eyes peeled in January 2025 for next year’s Legal Traineeships!
As mentioned above, you can be as creative as you like with your applications – we welcome CVs, presentations and video applications.
We want to hear about you, so choose a way that suits you and your personality best!
How to apply
Applications for Legal Traineeships in 2024 with Watermans are now closed.
We will be seeking new Trainees again in January 2025!
Bejna Demir, Year 1 Trainee Solicitor, Dispute Resolution
"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."
Rachel Durward, Year 1 Trainee Solicitor, Dispute Resolution
"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."
Sonya Imtiaz, Year 1 Trainee Solicitor, Dispute Resolution
"Starting my Traineeship with Watermans has been wonderful! From the start, I have been able to get a lot of hands-on experience by having my own caseload. While I was nervous having this responsibility from the beginning, the Dispute Resolution team have been very welcoming and are always ready to provide support and help with any questions I have."
Robyn Lynch, Year 1 Trainee Solicitor, Dispute Resolution
"Since beginning my legal career in the Road Traffic Accident department at Watermans, I have been made to feel nothing but welcome during what can be a nervous time for anyone. As a trainee, I have found myself asking a lot of questions, but my colleagues are always there to answer them when needed. In my time so far at the firm, I have learned so much already and having my own caseload so early on has made this a very enjoyable experience. My knowledge and confidence in the area is continuing to build every day and this is down to the invaluable support provided to Trainees by Watermans."
Bianca Gouws, Year 2 Trainee Solicitor, Private Client
"My Traineeship with Watermans has been a huge learning experience, but also a lot of fun. Responsibility and ownership of your own caseload lies with you from day one – your colleagues will support and encourage you along the way. The people are the best thing about being a trainee at Watermans. Colleagues are friendly and always willing to help, this is the best environment to learn in."
Memoona Aumar, Year 2 Trainee Solicitor, Dispute Resolution
"I have now entered the 2nd year of my Traineeship at Watermans. I am really enjoying working with such a supportive and friendly team. Having my own caseload throughout has allowed me to gain confidence and independence. I am now progressing on to higher-value cases which comes with greater responsibility and I look forward to further developing my skills."
Evie Brown, Year 2 Trainee Solicitor, Conveyancing
"Completing my first year as a trainee has provided me with an opportunity to deepen my expertise and take on more complex responsibilities. It has been great working in such an inclusive and supportive work environment with the Conveyancing department being such a tight-knit team. I am looking forward to the next 12 months, continuing to build the skills and knowledge I have acquired over the past year. "
Kate Murray, Year 2 Trainee Solicitor, Personal Injury
"On starting my Traineeship at Watermans, I was made to feel extremely welcome. There is always someone who is happy to answer your questions, and as a Trainee I have found myself asking a lot of questions! Personal Injury is a fast-paced area of law, with a consistent workload, and I have felt nothing but support from my colleagues. I have found Watermans to be a firm that doesn't just advertise their company values, they actually reflect those values in practice which makes it a great place to start any legal career."
Erin Aitchison, Year 2 Trainee Solicitor, Dispute Resolution
"I was nervous before I started my Traineeship with Watermans, but quickly found I had no reason to be. Being surrounded by such a supportive team, who are more than happy to assist with my questions regarding my cases has been instrumental in developing my knowledge."
Michael McGinness, Year 2 Trainee Solicitor, Dispute Resolution
"The best thing about the Traineeship at Watermans is how hands on it is. You’ll get experience with your own cases almost as soon as you get through the door, but you will also get plenty of support to make sure it isn’t overwhelming."