Thorntons opportunities
At Thorntons, we believe every moment matters - especially the one where your legal career begins.
As one of Scotland’s largest and most respected full-service law firms, we’ve been supporting clients and communities across Scotland for over 150 years. With over 75 Partners and more than 650 colleagues across offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Perth, Inverness, Fife and Angus, we offer the scale, expertise and opportunities to help you thrive.
But what truly sets us apart is our people.
We’ve built a business on relationships, trust, and the belief that when we invest in people, we invest in the future. From the moment you join us, you’ll feel inspired, supported and connected. You’ll work alongside some of the most talented legal professionals in the industry, gaining hands-on experience while building meaningful relationships with colleagues and clients that last.
Our graduate programmes are designed to challenge and empower you. You’ll receive expert mentoring, real responsibility, and the freedom to shape your own career path—all in a supportive, dynamic environment that values your voice and your ambitions.
At Thorntons, we see our graduates as the future of the firm - bringing fresh perspectives, energy and ideas that shape what comes next.
This is what life at Thorntons Law is all about.
And this is your moment to be part of it.
Each year we recruit around 20 Trainee Solicitors each year through our Summer Vacation Scheme (next Applications open November 2025) and the general Graduate Recruitment Programme (next Applications open spring/summer 2026).
We host in person and virtual events throughout the year. Stay updated by following our social media channels, where we will highlight upcoming events and opportunities. Find our graduate Instagram account at @thorntons_graduates.
Summer Placements 2025
Applications for Summer Placements 2026 will open on the 10th November 2025 to LLB students in 3rd or 4th year, 1st or 2nd year Accelerated LLB student, and Diploma Year. Applications will close on 4 January 2026.
During the 2 week placement (mid June) you’ll experience cutting-edge legal work, collaborate with experts, interact with clients, attend events, and develop essential skills for your future career.
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.
Whether you want a broad or more focused Training Contract, we tailor your experience to your interests. You’ll work with Scottish, UK, and international clients and have client contact from the very start, with full support from our Talent Development team. Most of our Trainees stay with us after they qualify, reflecting our commitment to your growth and success.
Applications for Traineeships 2028 will open around April 2026.
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]
Instagram: @thorntons_graduates [external site]
Email: Contact Thorntons [external site]