EDINBURGH-based solicitor and estate agent Watermans has launched its latest legal trainee recruitment campaign for graduates.
The firm, which has its head office in Leith, aims to modernise the sector using a modern process to attract aspiring legal graduates.
They are trying to move away from the standard recruitment process to secure one of the limited trainee placements in the country, which can be tedious.
Traditionally, law graduates would be expected to pass formal assessments during their quest to kick off their legal careers with conventional firms.
However, Watermans is encouraging applicants aspiring to break the traditions of the legal industry to showcase their personalities either through a video, presentation or art.
The owner-led firm, which also has offices in Glasgow and Dundee, prides itself on providing clients ‘straightforward legal advice’.
They aim to onboard the right people by getting to know the individual behind the law degree through a simple yet innovative recruitment process.
Watermans trainees practise law from day one and are trusted with their own caseload, all the while being supported by their peers to ensure they gain the necessary experience to begin their legal careers confidently.
Last year’s inaugural programme saw seven law graduates join the business.
Applications for the 2024 Legal Traineeships are open for anyone holding a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.
They run until Monday, 28 January, with a similar number of places available this summer.
Managing director Scott Whyte said: “Following the success of our 2023 trainee recruitment campaign, we are delighted to launch our plans to take on further trainee solicitors in 2024.
“Our approach to recruitment isn’t just out of the box – it throws the old traditional box in the bin and takes a completely fresh approach.
“To start with, we give students the credit they deserve. They are intelligent, ambitious and high-achieving individuals to have already achieved their LLB.
“We don’t need to test their maths or reasoning skills with assessment centres or psychometric testing.
“We are interested in the personalities of the people we bring into the business. How will they interact with their colleagues and our clients?
“That is what will define a Watermans trainee and ultimately make them a well-rounded and ‘human’ solicitor in the years to come.”
Recent research by The Law Society of Scotland shows that smaller, 1 to 5-partner firms, are responsible for training 32% of Scotland’s young solicitors.
Evie Brown was one of last year’s intakes. She said: “I am a first-year trainee in the conveyancing team and it’s safe to say that no two days are the same.
“What I love most about Watermans is the amazing team that I work with who are very encouraging and supportive.
“Beginning your legal career can be a very daunting experience but I have been made to feel incredibly welcome.”
