We offer traineeships in both our Edinburgh and Glasgow offices. Effective collaboration is key, and we operate a hybrid working model which allows our people to work both in the office and remotely, in a way that enables them to do their best work.
Each year, we offer up to 10 legal graduates a two-year legal traineeship. As a trainee, you will spend six months in four different seats, offering you a great insight to life in the legal profession. Whilst a strong academic record is important, we are particularly interested in your personal characteristics.
We look for trainees who are confident and demonstrate a positive ‘can do’ approach, naturally good communicators who can establish new and effective relationships with clients and colleagues, and those who enjoy problem-solving and use their initiative.
Applications for our traineeships commencing in 2025 are now closed. Dates for our 2026 traineeship opportunities will be available on this page and our social media channels soon.
Our trainee recruitment process has three stages.
Stage One: The application form
You will be asked to provide personal details, academic results and answers to questions which will give you an opportunity to tell us more about what who you are and what you are looking to achieve from your traineeship.
We operate a blind recruitment procedure, which means that, initially, our people reading your application will not see details of your name, gender, address, school or university. We use a contextual recruitment system (RARE) to help identify high-achieving individuals who may have missed our shortlist cut-off.
This tool measures those who have performed well despite social disadvantage, which allows us to compare candidates more effectively. Within the application form, you will be asked for details such as eligibility for free school meals, if you are a refugee or the first generation of your family to go to university etc. Please complete this information accurately, and be assured that it will be kept confidential.
Due to the volume of applications we receive, we regret that w cannot provide individual feedback after this stage. Applicants invited to stage 2 will be sent a link to complete two online psychometric assessments (a standard graduate one and a personality questionnaire). The results will be used to assist with the interview at stage 3.
Stage Two: Group and written exercises
Applicants who are invited to the next stage of applications will be invited to a small group video meeting, hosted by Morton Fraser MacRoberts’ HR team. This will involve two speaking exercises and a written exercise. The speaking exercises are designed for you to think on your feet and we will be assessing your overall contribution, including your ability to speak clearly, confidently and concisely, along with your general approach and interpersonal skills.
The written exercise will be carried out individually and will require you to use supplied documents to complete a couple of tasks and email them back to us within a strict time limit. This exercise is designed to test your ability to quickly identify key issues and communicate professionally in a written format.
During the video meeting, there will also be an opportunity for you to ask us any questions you may have about the firm, the traineeship etc.
For those who are not shortlisted to the next stage, we will provide feedback to you over the phone.
Applicants will be asked to complete an online personality questionnaire and a general graduate psychometric assessment when invited to stage 2, the results of which will be discussed during the interview on the assessment day for those who reach stage 3.
Stage Three: Assessment Centre
This is usually scheduled for a Saturday. Applicants will be invited to our Edinburgh office for three hours, either in the morning or afternoon. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.
Recruitment is a two-way process, and this stage is a good opportunity for you to see our working environment, meet some of our business leaders and discuss traineeships with some of our current trainees in total confidence.
Throughout the assessment period, you will take part in two activities:
1. Short interview with two of our partners, senior lawyers or directors
The interview will follow a set format with questions designed to find out more about your career motivations, commercial awareness, knowledge of our firm, your personal strengths etc.
2. Case study and presentation
You will have one hour to study a case and prepare a short presentation. You will then be asked to deliver your presentation ( approximately 15 minutes) to two assessors and then answer a few related questions.
Once the exercises are complete, you will be taken on a tour of the office with current trainees and have an opportunity to chat informally with them.
Feedback and offers will be provided that evening.
