Summer 2025 internship/2027 traineeship — Aberdeen

We’re currently recruiting eight interns to work with us in Aberdeen this summer, up to four of whom will join us in 2027 as trainees.

Applications are open and close on Sunday 9 March, 2025.

What does a Ledingham Chalmers internship look like?

You’ll spend three weeks with us in Aberdeen over the summer, most likely in our property, litigation, private client or corporate teams.

This is your chance to gain a real insight into what it’s like working at Ledingham Chalmers and apply the knowledge and skills you’ve learned at university in a supportive, inclusive, and flexible environment.

You’ll have the chance to get stuck into client work — many of which are high profile, fast-growing organisations — and you’ll have a mentor to work with who’ll show you the ropes.

The internships are a key part of our trainee recruitment. From this summer’s group, we’ll select our 2027 trainees.

As a trainee, you’ll spend six months in at least three different teams, earning above the Law Society of Scotland recommended rate of pay.

What qualifications do I need to apply?

You’ll have an LLB or LLB (Hons) in Scots Law and PEAT1/DipLP before the traineeship start date in 2027.

What are the key dates?

Here are the timescales for the intern recruitment process —

  • Thursday 6 February — intern event — we’ll host an event for interns in our Johnstone House offices in Aberdeen. This is your chance to come along and speak to folk from the firm — from partners through to current trainees — get a feel for our culture and the work we do

  • Sunday, 9 March — applications close

  • End March — you’ll be contacted to let you know if you’ll be asked to interview

  • Tuesday 22/Wednesday 23 April — interviews

  • Wednesday 30 April — intern offers made

  • These two, three-week paid internships are based in Aberdeen and begin weeks commencing 14 July and 4 August

  • End August — traineeship offers made

Why is Ledingham Chalmers a great firm for trainees?

As a trainee and — ultimately — a qualified solicitor, you’ll have the autonomy to shape your career and grow within an independent Scottish law firm where your contributions are actively encouraged.

There are plenty of opportunities for personal development through networking, social events, and firm-wide groups.

Perhaps you’ll join our Law Law Land choir, become part of our charities group to help make a difference, or play a key role in our wellbeing group, which supports colleagues’ physical and mental health.

What are the firm’s aspirations for the future?

We have ambitious growth plans. And we’re looking for like-minded colleagues to join us at an exciting time for our firm.

We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far — and of 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 back to our local communities.

Here’s Edinburgh-based partner Sarah Morris explaining why she chose Ledingham Chalmers as a trainee.

Headquartered in Aberdeen, with offices in Inverness, Edinburgh, and Stirling, we work with individuals, public sector organisations, and businesses across a range of sectors driving the national economy.

We’re growing fast, achieving record turnover for the third consecutive year and increasing our headcount to 195, including 22 partners. Recent investments in our offices and collaborative workspaces reflect our commitment to providing the best environments for our people.

Don’t take our word for it — here’s what former trainees say

I’ve been able to try a variety of areas of law and found each team welcoming and keen to help me learn. — Meredith Roulston Plant, solicitor, describing her trainee experience

From my first seat, I was actively involved in meaningful work. I attended client meetings, drafted a variety of legal documents, and helped to manage transaction processes, including providing updates and progress reports to fee earners. — Ross Peddie, solicitor, describing his trainee experience

Application FAQs

What happens if I have questions about my application?

Our HR team is your first point of contact. It’s also a great idea to come along to the free intern event on Thursday, 6 February, 2025 to find out more about the firm, and meet some potential colleagues. You can register via Eventbrite to come along, we’d love to see you there.

Please keep an eye here on our website, or email our marketing team to join our invite list so you don't miss out.

Join now

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.

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 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 the focus of our efforts, which have recently supported hardship relief and community organisations. Over the last decade, we’ve donated over £175,000 to a range of bodies including animal and children’s charities as well as mental health support and healthcare research organisations.

We actively encourage colleagues to volunteer, sharing their time, skills, and knowledge with charities and non-profits.

How to apply

Please download and complete this application form.

Then send it, along with any supporting information, to our recruiting team by the 9 March deadline.

Apply now

If you have any questions, please let our HR team know.

Good luck!