Skip to main content

Thorntons opportunities

Welcome to a very different kind of law firm.

One that recognises its success is down to its people. Where you can be yourself. Be inspired by your talented work colleagues. Where you’ll feel part of a dynamic team. Where you’ll build long lasting client relationships, find a sense of purpose and know that you are making an impact.

Thorntons is one of Scotland’s largest law firms and they are not standing still. Thorntons is driven and ambitious for further growth to support our clients and communities.

With offices across Scotland, 74 Partners supported by over 550 colleagues  – many of whom are leading experts in their field; at Thorntons you can be sure of getting the very best training and support.

Thorntons Law LLP

Thorntons are a genuinely full service firm, which means that, as a Trainee at Thorntons, you can gain a range of experience until you decide what you want to specialise in. Thorntons have open conversations with Trainees about their areas of interest and work hard to accommodate these as they progress through their Training Contract. From international commercial deals to supporting individuals through difficult times, working at Thorntons is both challenging and rewarding. You’ll build close relationships with clients, be inspired and supported by colleagues and have responsibility and autonomy. You’ll be given the chance to build long-lasting relationships have the support of colleagues who will no doubt become your friends.

This is what a rewarding Traineeship and career looks like at Thorntons.

Thorntons recruits 16 Trainee Solicitors each year through their Summer Vacation Scheme (next Applications open November 2023) and the general Graduate Recruitment Programme (next Applications open spring/summer 2024).

Thorntons host in-person and virtual events across Scotland. If you would like to find out a more about a legal career with Thorntons, they would love to meet you at one of these informal events which will be attended by many of their Trainees, Partners and our Graduate Recruitment team.

Edinburgh Law School - Career Days

Wednesday, 2 October 2:00 - 6:00pm
Location: MacLaren Stuart Room, Old College

More information

Graduate Insight online events 

Tuesday, 14 November 6pm – 7.30pm
Thursday, 23 November 6pm – 7.30pm

Thorntons Summer Placements June 2024


Hosted by partners Murray Etherington (former President of the Law Society) and Pamela Muir (Graduate Lead Partner), Thorntons Graduate Insight Events will give an introduction to the firm and an opportunity to speak with staff. There will be some short presentations about the firm and a chance to chat informally with Trainees about their experiences from their Traineeships and the recruitment process. You will also from Fiona Stewart (Talent Acquisition Manager) who will outline the recruitment process and what Thorntons look for in applications.

The event is a very informal affair – just sign up and hear a bit more about one of Scotland’s largest full-service legal firms.

To register, please email opportunities@thorntons-law.co.uk

Summer Placements 2025

Applications for Summer Placements for 2025 are now open to LLB students in 3rd or 4th year, 1st or 2nd year Accelerated LLB student, and Diploma Year. Applications will close on 12 January 2025.

During the placement you'll be exposed to cutting-edge legal work and experience first hand what it's like to be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking legal team. You'll have the chance to work on real cases, collaborate with experts, interact with clients, attend events and develop essential skills need for your future career.

You can find out more information here. [external site]

 A Training Contract with Thorntons comprises four 6 month seat rotations.

Thorntons offer one of the most varied Training Contracts in Scotland so you can get the chance to experience a broad range of practice areas before you specialise. With Thorntons, you can experience commercial areas such as Corporate, Intellectual Property, Employment, Commercial Property, Commercial Litigation, Land & Rural Business and more personal legal areas such as Family Law, Personal Injury & Medical Negligence, Immigration, Private Client, Civil Litigation and Residential Conveyancing.

Thorntons can offer you a broad or more focussed Training Contract, depending on your areas of interest.

Whatever your career ambitions, Thorntons will provide you with invaluable training, experiences and support throughout your Training Contract. You will work with Scottish, UK and international clients and will have client contact from the very start of your Training Contract, with the full support of your Training team behind you. It is important to them that Trainees at Thorntons have all the help they need around them.

Thorntons is an ambitious and growing firm and most of their Trainees stay on with them after they qualify. 

Applications for Traineeships 2026 are now open. Click here [external site] to apply.

Further information about Training Contracts can be found on their website. [external site]

Twitter: @Thorntons_Law [external site]

LinkedIn: Thorntons Law LLP [external site]

Facebook: Thorntons Solicitors [external site]

Email: Contact Thorntons [external site]