We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far — as well as the progressive culture we’ve created. Our core values guide how we work with each other and our clients, as well as how we give something back to our local communities.
All in all, it’s a great time to come on board.
We’re recruiting now for eight interns to work with us in Aberdeen this summer, up to four of whom will join us in 2026 as trainees.
Applications are open now and close on Sunday, 10 March. You’ll find all the application details at the end of this post.
Our track record
We’re known for punching above our weight.
With our headquarters in Aberdeen, but offices in Inverness, Edinburgh, and Stirling, we work with individuals, public sector organisations and businesses operating across a range of sectors that drive the national economy.
Our latest figures show our highest turnover since becoming a limited liability partnership (LLP) in 2006 and we’re consistently recognised in the Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 directories based on feedback from clients and peers.
Client contact and personal development
As a trainee and — ultimately — a qualified solicitor, you can take control of your career: exercising autonomy to progress and grow in an independent Scottish law firm where your contribution’s actively encouraged.
There are also plenty of opportunities for personal development through networking, social events, and firm-wide groups.
Who knows, perhaps as a trainee you’ll join our Law Law Land choir; become a member of our charities group — and give something back; or maybe you’ll play a pivotal role in our wellbeing group: established to support colleagues’ physical and mental health.
What do future and former trainees say about us?
Many former trainees are still working, and thriving, at our firm including Edinburgh partner Sarah Morris who tells us in this video why she chose the firm over 20 years ago.
Sarah was named in the 2023 Legal 500 rankings as a next generation partner and is a Law Society of Scotland-accredited specialist in personal injury law.
Rather than just being left with a list of mundane tasks, qualified solicitors gave me meaningful work, allowing me to apply the skills I had developed… — Cameron Rout, legal executive
How does the three-week, paid internship work?
You’ll spend three weeks with us over the summer, most likely in our property, litigation, private client or corporate teams.
This will give you an insight into what it’s like working with Ledingham Chalmers (it’s just as important we’re the right fit for you as it is the other way round!) including putting all the knowledge and skills you’ve learnt at university to great use in a supportive, inclusive, and flexible environment.
You’ll have the chance to get stuck into client work — many are high profile, fast-growing organisations — and you’ll have a mentor to work with who’ll show you the ropes.
These paid internships are based in Aberdeen and begin weeks commencing 1 July and 22 July.
Trainee recruitment process
The internships are an important part of our trainee recruitment process. We’ll choose our 2026 trainees from this intern intake.
Paid above the Law Society of Scotland rate, the 2026 trainees will spend six months in at least three different teams, working alongside our experts (and each another).
As part of my seat in litigation, I had my own cases to manage from day one – a responsibility I never considered receiving so early into my legal career. — Georgia Shirreffs, solicitor, describing her trainee experience
Internship/traineeship application requirements
You’ll have an LLB or LLB (Hons) in Scots Law and PEAT1/DipLP before the traineeship start date in 2026.
Application FAQs
What happens if I have questions about my application?
Your first port of call is HR advisor Nan McPherson; however, we plan to hold an informal application support evening on 29 February where you can meet former interns and trainees as well as other colleagues. Please do register via Eventbrite to come along, we’d love to see you there.
What happens after I’ve submitted my application?
If you’re successful, you’ll be contacted at the start of April and invited to an interview. This will likely involve partner Sarah Stuart, head of HR Gary Hunt and HR advisor Nan McPherson and will be in person in Aberdeen on 16 and 17 April.
What social opportunities are there?
There are lots of ways to get involved.
The social committee organises a wide range of events from wine tasting to paddle boarding. We also have an active book club, award-winning choir, crafty club, wellbeing group and charities group.
What does the wellbeing group do?
The group meets monthly, discussing various initiatives and organising events designed to help colleagues maintain or improve their health both in and out of work.
Recent initiatives have included setting up yoga sessions, hosting mental health and neurodiversity awareness presentations and organising light-hearted events like a photography competition for people to share their favourite things to do throughout the summer.
How does the firm support local communities?
Our core values guide how we operate — and two that are particularly relevant to CSR are ‘give something back’ and ‘treat others well’.
We were one of the first law firms in Scotland to establish a charitable trust over 20 years ago and were highly commended in the CSR category of the Herald Law Awards of Scotland in 2023.
Every year, the Ledingham Chalmers Charitable Trust gifts thousands of pounds to organisations doing great work across Scotland. Annually, through an intranet vote, colleagues choose a focus for these efforts which (most recently) have included mental wellbeing and hardship support organisations. Often match funding people’s efforts, over the last ten years, the trust has donated around £170,000 to a range of bodies including animal and children’s charities as well as mental health support and healthcare research organisations.
Colleagues are actively encouraged to volunteer too: sharing their skills, time, and knowledge with a range of charities and non-profits.
The Ledingham Chalmers traineeship has been fulfilling and enjoyable, full of support and guidance and tailored to each individual as far as possible. — Hannah Patience, solicitor, describing her trainee experience
How to apply
Please upload your CV and a covering letter, explaining why Ledingham Chalmers is the firm for you. Please also submit a two-minute video through this portal, telling us who you’d love to invite to a dinner party and why. They can be real people or fictional characters.
The video is an important part of the process — it helps us get to know you better, beyond your impressive academic achievements.
