Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on legal experience across diverse areas while supporting real client matters.
- Company: Join Aberdeen Group plc, a global investment company with a focus on people and sustainability.
- 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 culture that values diversity and offers excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 1000 - 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.
Apply Today
Ready to make your mark? Apply now and start your legal journey with us!
Legal Trainee in Edinburgh employer: abrdn
Contact Detail:
abrdn Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Trainee in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former trainees at Aberdeen Group plc on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out during the assessment centre.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! Get a friend to throw some common legal interview questions your way. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for law! During interviews, share specific examples of what excites you about the legal field and how you align with Aberdeen's values. It’ll help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the process right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Trainee in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Legal Trainee role. Highlight relevant experiences, skills, and qualifications that align with what we’re looking for. A personalised CV shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about law and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise, engaging, and make sure to reflect our values and culture.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since clear communication is key in this role, ensure your application is well-written and free of errors. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your attention to detail and ability to convey information effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at abrdn
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of Scots law and the specific areas you'll be working in, like investments and commercial contracts. Brush up on recent legal developments and how they might impact the financial services sector.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since clear and concise communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts. You might want to prepare a few examples of how you've effectively communicated complex ideas in the past, whether in writing or verbally.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This role values teamwork, so be ready to discuss experiences where you've collaborated successfully with others. Think about how you can highlight your ability to break down silos and work towards a common goal.
✨Be Detail-Oriented
Attention to detail is crucial in legal work. Prepare to discuss how you've managed tasks that required precision and accuracy. You could even bring along a sample of your written work to showcase your attention to detail.