Legal Graduate Programme

The Legal Graduate Programme is aimed at final-year law students and graduates with a law degree. It is also open to non-law graduates who have completed the PGDL or MA in Law. In Scotland candidates should have completed a four-year Scots LLB or two-year accelerated LLB and the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice

Legal Graduates join on an initial six-month contract. Performance is regularly assessed and may lead to a trainee offer with part-time SQE study. There will be a gap between being offered training and starting as a trainee on the seat rotation.

Applications usually open in October.

Legal Graduates join Freeths on an initial six-month fixed-term contract.

You will work in one of our legal departments, developing the skills and experience needed for a career in law. The role is focused on legal work, such as research, drafting, client and matter support, document preparation and practice-area specific tasks, with appropriate supervision.

Yes. You will receive an induction when you join, including digital skills training, systems training, compliance training and practice-area onboarding. You will also be supported by your supervisor, team colleagues and HR throughout the programme.

Performance is reviewed formally during the programme, including a 6 week review, a three-month review and an assessment and decision regarding the offer of further training before the end of the six-month contract. You will also receive regular feedback and support from your supervisor.

Legal Graduates are assessed against competencies including communication, adaptability, business focus, working together, commercialism, technical and professional ability, detail and quality, professional judgement, critical thinking and being receptive to new ways of working, including the appropriate use of AI.

The programme may lead to an offer of formal training, depending on performance, business need and the relevant approval process.

The Legal Graduate Programme is aimed at final-year students and graduates who are ready to join Freeths in a legal role after completing their degree or conversion course. The Direct Entry Programme is aimed at earlier-stage law students and follows a different route, including insight days, legal placements and assessment stages before a trainee offer may be made.

The programme may be available across multiple Freeths offices, depending on business need and vacancies.

Yes. Candidates looking to secure a Scottish Traineeship should apply to the Legal Graduate Programme. Before applying, candidates should have completed a four-year Scots LLB or two-year accelerated LLB and the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.

Previous legal work experience can be helpful, but we are also interested in your potential, motivation, transferable skills and commitment to developing a career in law.

We look for candidates who are academically strong, motivated, flexible, willing to learn and able to contribute to the success of the firm. Strong communication, attention to detail, teamwork, commercial awareness and adaptability are also important.

Applications should be made online. The advert will confirm the application process, closing date, locations and any assessment stages.

Candidates looking to secure a Scottish Traineeship should apply to the Legal Graduate Programme. Before applying, candidates must have completed a four-year Scots LLB or a two-year accelerated LLB, as well as the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (PEAT 1).