Scotland Trainee Solicitor Programme 2027

We are Dentons. The world’s largest law firm. With more than 12,500 people in 80+ countries around the world, we have unique breadth, depth and diversity. Alongside our award-winning global work, we are committed to a culture of innovation, giving back and inclusion.

Dentons is designed to be different. The landscape we work in is changing at an accelerating pace. We embrace this change and are looking for trainees and apprentices to join us in redefining what is possible and in shaping the future of law.

Your career at Dentons can shape up to be something extraordinary. It’s a place for those who are driven to challenge. To question. To break tradition. To put your career firmly into fast-forward. This could be the start of something big.

Main areas of work

Trainees and apprentices are able to choose from a wealth of seats to work with experts across our practice areas: Banking and Finance, Competition, Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Projects, PRM (People, Reward and Mobility), Real Estate, Tax and TMT (Technology, Media and Telecommunications).

Work is also about more than just work here. It's about the environment too, and the feeling you get from your team, office and beyond. Our teams are focused on inclusion, giving back, and on looking forward with innovation.

Central Belt

With a legacy in Scotland dating back to 1871, we are committed to the market and deeply rooted in the community. Our lawyers are intimately familiar with the nuances of doing business in Scotland and can help clients get things done quickly and effectively. Both offices are fast paced hubs, with clients instructing us on local, national and international work. Trainees undertaking our Central Belt Trainee Solicitor Programme have the opportunity to complete seats in both our Edinburgh and Glasgow offices, in all our key UK practice areas, alongside client and international secondments.

Glasgow: Where Tradition Meets Transformation

As a Challenger in our Glasgow office, you'll be part of a team that blends the best of commercial legal practice with the energy and innovation of a city that’s constantly evolving. Glasgow is known for its rich cultural heritage and its position as a major centre for commerce and industry in Scotland. Our office here provides an inclusive workspace that incorporates social spaces for collaboration.

Working in Glasgow means being at the heart of some of the most exciting legal developments in Scotland. You'll be involved in high-profile matters that shape the legal landscape, working alongside Partners who are renowned for their expertise and commitment to quality. The city's vibrant atmosphere extends beyond the office, with a vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary experiences, and a friendly, welcoming community.

Glasgow offers the ideal environment for Challengers who are looking for a city that combines professional life with cultural richness. Whether you're strolling through the historic West End, attending a concert at one of the city’s iconic music venues, or networking with other legal professionals, Glasgow offers a lifestyle that is both enriching and rewarding.

"I chose to join Dentons in Scotland because I wanted to be part of our Scottish heritage and expertise, alongside access to international work and colleagues. The Glasgow office is open plan, and everyone is approachable and friendly. Because of the office size I have got to know almost everyone in the office, and love being involved in our local pro bono and CSR initiatives.

Edinburgh: A Progressive Legal Landscape in Scotland's Capital

Our Edinburgh office is more than just a place to work, it's a gateway to one of the most creative legal environments in the UK. Situated in a brand-new office in Haymarket, our Edinburgh location has been designed to meet the needs of modern legal professionals, offering modern facilities and a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and excellence.

In Edinburgh, you'll find yourself at the centre of a city that blends historic charm with contemporary vibrancy. As a Challenger in our Edinburgh office, you'll have the opportunity to work on high impact matters that influence the legal landscape not just in Scotland, but across the UK and beyond. The city's reputation as a centre for finance, technology, and government means that you'll be working with a diverse range of clients, providing you with the opportunity to build a well-rounded and impactful legal career.

Edinburgh is also a city that offers an exemplary quality of life. From the stunning architecture of the Old Town to the modern amenities of the New Town, Edinburgh is a city that caters to every lifestyle. Whether you're exploring the historic Royal Mile, enjoying the city's many festivals, or simply taking in the views from Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh offers a lifestyle that is as rewarding as the career opportunities it presents.

Edinburgh is both a cultural and professional powerhouse—a place where Challengers can thrive and make a lasting impact in the world of law.

"For me it was clear from when I applied to Dentons that Scotland wasn’t an afterthought, but a core part of the firm’s business. A lot of really exciting work happens up here and, in my experience, it’s been great to work on transactions that impact the place I grew up in so there is a tangible link to the work I’m doing. In terms of the Edinburgh office itself, I love that everyone is so welcoming. Everyone I’ve met, from trainee to partner, has made an effort to introduce themselves which is a lovely touch as a new trainee.”

Scotland Trainee Solicitor Programme 2027

The business of law is changing, and we want you to be right there with it. To take us from largest to leading, we're looking for our trainees to think big and see the future of law in a new way.

Our Trainee Solicitor Programme is designed to equip you with the skills required to be the lawyer of the future. On top of our award-winning development programme, we have included three additional modules that you will be required to complete throughout your time with us: legal project management, innovation and resilience. All designed to help you become the lawyer of the future.

Our modernised programme marks the first stage in your journey from lawyer to leader. The lawyers of the future start here.

Who Should Apply?

There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ trainee or apprentice at Dentons and that’s the way we like it. Our expertise within the Firm is as diverse as the needs of our global clients. What we have in common is the ability to contribute to our growing success.

We generally look for an excellent academic performance but consider every application we receive in context and holistically. We also encourage you to include mitigating circumstances if relevant.

We have also implemented the Rare Contextual Recruitment System, to give us additional context to every candidate’s application.

Eligibility for Central Belt: Penultimate year Scots Law students, final year Scots Law students and Scots Law graduates.

Diversity, inclusion and wellbeing

At Dentons, inclusion and diversity are not just a core value – it is an integral part of our strategy. Building a more inclusive and diverse law firm is core to our strategy because it leads to better business outcomes for our clients, our communities and for Dentons.

We believe in creating an environment where everyone can thrive. We work hard to nurture a sense of inclusion that is empowering to the individual, to the teams and to the Firm.

Examples of our inclusion strategy include a focus on allyship programmes, access initiatives, mentoring programmes, and a series of events and conversation focussed on equity and inclusion.

Our Inclusion Networks also play a huge part in fostering a sense of belonging and support for everyone at the firm. These groups include GLOW (LGBTQ+), Fusion (Asian Professionals), BPN (Black Professionals), Inspire (Gender Equality), Accessibility (Disability), and our Parents and Carers network.

Innovation

Here at Dentons, innovation isn’t something that sits in isolation – we believe it comes from everywhere and from everyone, and it is critical to our position as the world’s largest global law firm. We do this by challenging ourselves to identify and implement innovation across all areas of service delivery to our clients.

We have created a highly bespoke programme for our trainees, to enhance their knowledge around legal innovation and digital transformation. At every seat rotation, each trainee will undertake an innovation project, and with the help of their designated Innovation Training Scheme supervisor, and Innovation team, will create a project based on one of the following categories: AI (Machine Learning), Document Automation, Design Thinking, RPA (Robotic Process Automation), Data Visualization or a Business Case. These projects, not only help to broaden trainees’ understanding of legal innovation but also help us to identify and address innovation gaps within the firm.