Traineeships
Looking for an outstanding traineeship in a market-leading litigation law firm? Here we provide some information about what to expect from a traineeship with Allan McDougall Solicitors. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions before applying.
What sort of firm is Allan McDougall Solicitors?
Allan McDougall Solicitors is one of Scotland’s leading litigation law firms. A progressive, award-winning firm, we have three distinct teams specialising in personal injury, employment and family law. We litigate in The Court of Session, The All-Scotland Sheriff Personal Injury Court, the Sheriff Courts and the Employment Tribunals. As approachable experts, we pride ourselves on our excellent reputation for client care and results, and offer a pleasant, supportive working environment. We are committed to diversity and equality of opportunity for all our team members.
What does a traineeship with Allan McDougall Solicitors look like?
You will gain experience across three areas of litigation, namely personal injury, family and employment law. Within each area, the work is very varied and interesting. While the emphasis will be on legal work and training, you will have ample opportunities to develop your skills more widely by becoming involved in other areas of the firm’s business, such as our community engagement and business development activities.
Why choose Allan McDougall Solicitors?
Expertise:
As part of your traineeship with us you will gain experience in three important areas of civil litigation: personal injury claims, family matters and employment issues.
Our on-the-job training, internal and external CPD events will cover technical training and personal development, with sessions led by partners and external experts.
Hands-on experience:
Your traineeship with us will be provide you with valuable hands-on experience. From the outset, you will work on real cases, dealing directly with clients, working alongside others in the firm. You will be an integral part of our team as soon as you join.
Guidance and support:
You will be mentored by a nominated solicitor supervisor for the duration of your traineeship. A partner in the firm with many years’ expertise and experience, your mentor will support and monitor your progress, offering one-to-one guidance and answering any questions you have along the way.
Rewards package:
You will receive a competitive salary, in addition to enrolment in the firm’s pension scheme, 20 days’ annual leave plus generous public holidays.
Career progression:
A traineeship with Allan McDougall Solicitors is an excellent platform to launch your legal career.
Many of our trainees continue with us as newly-qualified solicitors and progress their careers with us. Indeed all but one of our current partners trained with the firm.
Some trainees go on to pursue their career with other firms. They include a former UK Supreme Court judge, the founder of a commercial law firm, an advocate with a leading advocates’ set, and a partner as well as solicitors with other leading litigation firms.
What do we look for in our trainees?
If you are keen to pursue a career in litigation and passionate about helping people, you have come to the right place.
To be successful as a trainee with Allan McDougall Solicitors you will be well-organised, keen to learn, articulate both in written and spoken language, able to communicate effectively, and empathetic.
What is involved in the traineeship interview?
If you are selected for interview, a panel will meet with you to find out more about you. We shall discuss your cv and application and perhaps ask some wider questions about your interest in law. While this is a formal process, we want you to do your best at interview, so relax and let yourself shine. This is also your chance to learn more about us, so it is a good idea to prepare some questions in advance.
Tips for the interview? Former trainee Michelle Wilson advises: “when preparing, don’t overlook your commercial, non-legal, experience such as part time jobs. It’s not unusual that when applying for traineeships you won’t have a great deal of legal experience. Emphasise the transferrable skills that would be of benefit, such as presentation experience, research, or any customer facing roles.”
Former trainee Heather Webster’s advice for applicants is “to try to relax. Your personality will come out much better if you are calm, and the firm will get a much better idea of the sort of trainee you would be. I would also suggest that you use the interview as a way to learn more about the firm.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When do trainees start their traineeship?
Our traineeships usually begin in August.
Which office are trainees based in?
You will be based in our central Edinburgh office at Coates Crescent.
What are the working hours?
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with 1 hour for lunch.
How is trainees’ performance assessed?
We provide quarterly reviews, in line with the Law Society of Scotland requirements.
Are there opportunities to get to know the team before the start date?
Yes, we will invite you to spend some time with us before you start, so that you have a chance to familiarise yourself with the firm, the office, and all of our team members.
What have previous trainees said about their experience?
“The best part of working at Allan McDougall Solicitors is the people. Everyone is very friendly and supportive. Having a supportive work environment is crucial for getting the most out of your traineeship. I needed a workplace where I could feel comfortable asking any questions that cropped up. I am happy to say that I found this environment at Allan McDougall Solicitors. I also worked with several different solicitors, allowing me to observe the different ways in which cases can be run.”
“From the very beginning of your traineeship expect to be involved. All the team, not only your supervisor, will get you involved in a variety of tasks such as drafting, negotiating, researching, contacting clients and attending Court, either virtually or in person”.
“Within a few weeks of being at Allan McDougall Solicitors, I was given the opportunity to participate in charity events sponsored by the firm. I attended a Scottish Disability Sports (SDS) event, and while I was nervous to be representing the firm having just recently joined, everyone at SDS made me feel welcome, so much so that I returned to the majority of SDS events for the duration of the sponsorship.”
Interested? Apply now
Please send your CV with covering letter to Jackie Raitt at jackieraitt@allanmcdougall.co.uk.
Share this page
Allan McDougall
With you every step of the way.
What our clients say
- Very impressed with the professional, prompt service and advice I received.
B.I. - Mr Harris was a very nice person who put me at ease and talked in words I could understand. Great empathy.
M.C.
Call free: 0808 560 0872
