Legal Traineeship

Job Description

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.

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.

What does the recruitment process look like?

If you are interested in applying for a Legal Traineeship with Watermans, please submit your application to HR@watermans.co.uk. 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.

After submitting your application, the next step in the selection process will involve a first-stage interview which will take place in February. Second-stage interviews take place in March, with final offers confirmed in April and May. So, if you are a successful candidate, we’ll see you in summer 2026 for the start of your Legal Traineeship!

Are you interested in applying?

If a Legal Traineeship with Watermans sounds like a bit of you, please submit your applications to HR@watermans.co.uk. Deadline for applications is Friday 30th January.