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Legal traineeships at Burness Paull

We believe in being mould-breakers. Opportunity takers. Success makers.

We don’t employ people to be anonymous, we employ them because we think they can help us be even better.

We work with leading clients in Scotland, the UK and internationally.

We’re fiercely ambitious, hard-working and passionate about getting to know our clients, their businesses, and the sectors they operate in.

And, most of all, delivering a level of service that's the best bar none.

Are you looking for a traineeship in Scotland?

We hire the brightest and the best. Do you have the ambition, drive and desire we’re looking for?

Trainees are the lifeblood of the firm. And the key to our continuing success.

We’re looking for people who want a career - not just a legal traineeship in Scotland.

Everything we do is focused on quality. We invest heavily in your technical training. We believe this is the foundation of you becoming an outstanding commercial lawyer.

Burness Paull's culture fosters excellence. We want you to achieve your potential.

You’ll take part in our in-depth training programme which includes:

  • monthly Professional Education and Training (PEAT 2) sessions
  • legal skills training and specialist divisional training
  • attending commercial awareness seminars
  • marketing and business development training
  • informal and fun Future Forum events where we invite inspiring and entertaining guest speakers along to present.

From day one you will be an integral part of your new team.

As part of your traineeship, you will work alongside some of the very best lawyers in the country. You will have a unique exposure to the legal and commercial issues faced by our clients, and you’ll be part of the team that delivers the pragmatic solutions needed.

During your traineeship, you may well have the opportunity to go on secondment to one of our clients. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a key client, understand their business and sector, and gain skills that will help you throughout your career.

And it’s not all work and no play. We have a range of committees and a fantastic social life as well.

A traineeship with us is hard work, challenging, inspiring, and fun. We firmly believe there’s no better place to learn and develop.

Our commitment to training and technical excellence gives us the edge.

Trainees benefit from a dedicated graduate development team, in-house Professional Education and Training (PEAT 2) modules, our top Knowledge and Development Lawyer advisory team and an insightful firm wide commercial awareness programme.

After tailored inductions, you will take part in monthly divisional training sessions to keep you bang up to date with legislation changes.

You will be assigned a divisional mentor for day-to-day support, guidance and advice, to help you gain the most out of your seat.

Every 13 weeks, you’ll have a Trainee Quarterly Performance and Development Review (TQPDR) as required by The Law Society of Scotland.

Our Trainee Committee includes senior partners from across the firm, our General Counsel Partner, Head of HR and our Graduate Recruitment Manager. Their raison d’etre is to ensure that we offer the very best trainee experience to our current and future trainees.

We hand pick our trainees with the aim to retain as many as possible. We want people to come here for a career, not just a job.

Feel Valued

We offer one of the best reward packages:

  • Competitive salary
  • Payment of Diploma in Legal Practice

Click below to see more of our employee benefits:

Aspirers. Inspirers. Joy-to-hirers.

As a legal trainee you’ll spend a stimulating six months in four practice areas.

Before allocating your seats we’ll ask you for your preferences – which we try our best to accommodate. You may also be able to go on secondment to one of our key clients.

But don’t believe us. Read what our trainees have to say about life at Burness Paull.

Can you apply for one of our legal traineeships in Scotland?

We set the bar high. So commercial awareness, the right attitude and a healthy ambition are all essential for anyone looking to join us.

We’re looking for people who will fit in with our hard-working and sociable team culture, with a willingness to grow, learn and develop – personally and professionally.

If you think that’s you, then read on.

Scots Law Degree

If you have a 2.1 or higher in Scots Law or an accelerated Scots law degree, or you are on track to receive either of these, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Diploma in Legal Practice

As part of our investment in you, we cover the full cost of your diploma fee.

Application process

Our trainee applications are currently closed, if you would like to stay up to date please register your interest via the apply button below.