Traineeships

Shepherd and Wedderburn trainees benefit from a supportive and well-structured program.

We offer structured traineeships in all four of our UK offices, starting in August every year. You can apply for either a Law Society of Scotland (LSS) or a Solicitors Regulations Authority (SRA) traineeship. We recruit through our summer vacation scheme, two years in advance, and we occasionally open direct trainee recruitment as well.

Each of our four legal divisions is made up of smaller legal teams. A two-year traineeship consists of six-month seats at four of those teams, and will cover at least three different legal disciplines. Ahead of each rotation, our trainees can select three seat preferences for the next rotation.

“It’s a truly supportive and collaborative environment. I’ve gained invaluable experience through exposure to quality work and clients, and learning from experts in their field.”

Olivia Greener
Solicitor

Why choose us?

We believe that training with us is an attractive option, for several reasons:

Integration

Your traineeship starts with a comprehensive induction programme to ensure that you have the knowledge and tools you need to become a fully-fledged member of our team.

Responsibility

From your first week, you will work on real legal projects, meet clients, and collaborate with others in your team and around the firm. This will continue throughout your traineeship. You will also undertake regular performance reviews with a senior member of your team.

Pay and funding

Our trainee salaries are competitive for their locations, and are regularly reviewed. In Scotland, we fully fund PEAT1 Diploma fees and provide a maintenance grant of £3,500, which is payable from September to April during your diploma. In London, we fund the LPC or SQE fees up to £14,630.

Training and development

You will benefit from a comprehensive training programme over the course of your traineeship, including seat-specific legal training. In Scotland, we are an authorised LSS PEAT2 training provider, and you will also undertake this mandatory week of training in the second year of your traineeship.

Secondments and moves

It is common for Scotland-based trainees to do one or two of their four seats in a different office. If that other office is also in Scotland, you will be provided with a rental allowance or a train pass. Doing a six-month seat in our London office works slightly differently. Trainees based in Scotland can apply to do this; if you are successful you will receive a temporary 17.5% uplift in salary, and we will provide accommodation for you.

The firm also offers a number of client secondments, some of which are available to our trainees.

Mentoring and support

You will be assigned a mentor for the duration of your traineeship, to support you by listening to any concerns you might have and providing any guidance you need. Your mentor will be outside your assigned team. Our learning and development team will also meet with you regularly throughout your traineeship.

Before you begin your traineeship, you will be invited to attend several events organised by the firm.

Key Contacts