At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on legal experience across various sectors while supporting real client matters.
- Company: Join Aberdeen Group plc, a global investment company committed to sustainability and inclusion.
- Benefits: Structured training, mentoring from senior lawyers, and potential secondment opportunities.
- Why this job: Launch your legal career with real responsibility and support from day one.
- Qualifications: Must have completed the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice by start date.
- Other info: Inclusive environment valuing diversity and providing support throughout the recruitment process.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
Location: Edinburgh - 1 George Street
Role Type: 2-year programme
Start date: September 2027
Assessment Centre: April 2026
Closing Date: 6th March 2026 - We reserve the right to close early if application volumes are high.
Invest in Your Tomorrow
Are you ready to launch a meaningful legal career with real responsibility and support from day one? Join the Legal, Secretariat, Public Affairs and Sustainability team at Aberdeen Group plc and gain broad, hands-on experience across our Investments and Platforms businesses while learning from specialists who protect our reputation, help us deliver for clients and enable the organisation to achieve its strategic goals.
About The Programme
This is a two-year Scots-law traineeship based in Edinburgh. You will rotate through four six-month seats that reflect business needs and give you a rounded view of in-house practice. Our cohort typically consists of around three trainees across both years, with experience gained within our in-house team and through close collaboration with secondees from external law firms. A formal secondment to an external law firm is also likely, providing further breadth and professional networks.
During your traineeship, you will work towards entry to the roll of solicitors with the Law Society of Scotland and complete the mandatory PEAT 2 training via our external partners. You will also have access to talks and workshops from specialist teams across the business, building both commercial awareness and technical confidence.
What You Will Do
- Across your seats, you will support the work that keeps a diversified financial services group running securely and responsibly. Typical exposure includes:
- Investments and funds. Drafting, reviewing and negotiating documentation that underpins investment activity and fund operations.
- Commercial contracts. Supporting supplier and client arrangements, technology and data contracts, and related governance.
- Corporate transactions. Assisting with corporate and intra-group activity, due diligence and corporate record keeping.
- Cross-team collaboration. Working closely with Secretariat, Public Affairs and Sustainability to align legal advice with our regulatory, stakeholder and ESG commitments.
You will contribute to real matters that impact our clients and colleagues, always with the guidance of experienced lawyers who will help you grow your judgement, accuracy and commercial instinct.
What You Will Gain
- A broad in-house legal foundation across investments, commercial and corporate work.
- Structured PEAT 2 training and support towards Law Society of Scotland entry requirements.
- Mentoring from senior lawyers and access to firm-wide technical and commercial learning sessions.
- Potential secondment experience with an external law firm to expand your perspective and network.
Who We Are Looking For
We welcome motivated, inclusive and commercially aware applicants who will have completed the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice by the start date. We value:
- Communication. Clear, concise writing and confident verbal communication.
- Teamwork. Collaborative working, breaking down silos to get the best outcome.
- Trust and integrity. Sound ethics and confidentiality in everything you do.
- Planning and prioritising. Proactive ownership, organised delivery and good judgement on value and urgency.
- Attention to detail. Accuracy, consistency and strong matter management.
- Analytical thinking. Evidence-based problem solving and sound risk awareness.
Why Choose Aberdeen?
We’re a global investment company that invests in more than just markets — we invest in people. Our inclusive culture, commitment to sustainability, and focus on long-term impact make Aberdeen a great place to start your career.
Application Process
- CV & Online application
- Online testing
- Online pre-recorded interview
- Assessment Centre (group activity, case study and panel interview)
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Aberdeen is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is valued. As a Disability Confident Committed Level One employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and provide support throughout the recruitment process.
Please contact us at aberdeenearlycareers@aberdeenplc.com if you require reasonable accommodations to be made to any stage of the recruitment process. Our Early Careers team will be pleased to discuss your needs and ensure that these are accommodated.
Apply Today
Ready to make your mark? Apply now and start your legal journey with us!
For more information visit our careers site: https://www.aberdeenplc.com/en-gb/careers
We’re committed to providing an inclusive workplace where all forms of difference are valued and which is free from any form of unfair or unlawful treatment. We define diversity in its broadest sense – this includes but is not limited to our diversity of educational and professional backgrounds, experience, cognitive and neurodiversity, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion or belief and ethnicity and geographical provenance. We support a culture that values meritocracy, fairness and transparency and welcomes enquiries from everyone.
If you need assistance or an adjustment due to a disability please let us know as part of your application and we will assist.
Legal Trainee employer: aberdeen
Contact Detail:
aberdeen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Trainee
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Aberdeen Group plc, their values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills with a mate or in front of the mirror. Focus on clear communication and showcasing your teamwork abilities. Remember, they want to see how you can collaborate and contribute to their goals!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former trainees at Aberdeen through LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about what to expect during the assessment centre.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to invest in your future with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Trainee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Legal Trainee role. Highlight any relevant coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your understanding of Scots law and commercial awareness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this traineeship and how your background makes you a great fit. Be sure to mention specific aspects of the programme that excite you.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the online application, keep your answers clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to understand. Remember, clarity is key in legal communication!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our careers site. This ensures your application is received promptly and gives you access to all the latest updates about the recruitment process. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at aberdeen
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Brush up on Scots law and the specific areas of law relevant to the role, like investments and commercial contracts. Being able to discuss recent legal developments or cases will show your passion and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Practice clear and concise responses to common interview questions. Since communication is key in this role, consider doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your verbal skills.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked in teams. Highlight your collaborative experiences, as teamwork is highly valued in this position. Think of specific instances where you contributed to a group goal.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the traineeship programme and the company culture. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role aligns with your career goals. Ask about mentorship opportunities or the types of projects you'll be involved in.