Start building your legal career with paid, practical experience that makes a difference. At Thompsons, you will be part of a purpose-driven firm that stands up for individuals. As one of Scotland’s leading personal injury and employment law specialists, our work is people-focused, values-led and often life-changing.
The LLB+ Programme gives you the opportunity to build real legal experience while developing the skills and confidence to take your next career step. You will not be watching from the sidelines: you will contribute to live cases, speak with clients and learn from experienced colleagues who will support you throughout the programme.
Whether you are in your second year of the LLB or preparing for your Diploma, LLB+ offers a clear route from student to solicitor. You will gain experience, build professional connections and develop with us at each stage of your studies.
This is paid legal experience during the summer, giving you the chance to see how a law firm works and contribute to meaningful legal work. You will develop practical skills, learn from experienced colleagues and follow a structured pathway towards a traineeship. With mentoring, skills development and support at every stage, you can build your confidence while working with a firm that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
Who Can Apply?
We welcome applications from students who:
- Are currently studying an LLB at a Scottish university (2nd year onwards)
- Are eligible to work in the UK
- Have a genuine interest in a long-term legal career with Thompsons
Programme Structure
Stage 1: Legal Intern
Stage 1 gives second, third and fourth-year LLB students the chance to join us as a Legal Intern and start building practical experience. Paid at the Scottish Living Wage, you will typically work in our Legal Enquiries Team or support another department, developing skills that will strengthen your studies and prepare you for your future career.
Stage 2: Trainee Apprenticeship
Stage 2 is open to students studying for the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice. Through a structured rotation, you will gain experience in a legal team, our Legal Enquiries Team and one of our support departments, such as HR, Finance, IT or Facilities. This varied experience will help you understand how the whole firm works and develop the commercial awareness and practical skills needed for a successful traineeship.
Stage 3: Traineeship Offer
Perform strongly throughout the programme and you will have the opportunity to apply for a traineeship with us. Each year, subject to business needs, we offer traineeships to students who demonstrate commitment, ability and a genuine connection with our values.
Support & Development
You will be supported from day one. A full induction and ongoing training will help you settle in, build your skills and feel confident in your role. You will also have regular check-ins with a dedicated supervisor, access to our training platform and mentoring sessions focused on your development. Everything is designed to help you gain experience, grow in confidence and get your legal career off to a flying start.
What We Are Looking For
We will support you to succeed, and we will also expect you to bring enthusiasm, professionalism and reliability to the programme. Being organised, respecting confidentiality and taking responsibility for your work are essential. We understand the demands of university life, so we will encourage you to manage your studies and work commitments confidently, communicate with us and keep making progress in both.
A Programme That Grows With You
LLB+ is designed to grow with you. We regularly review the programme to make sure it provides meaningful experience, valuable development and a clear route towards a legal career. By joining us, you will become part of a growing community of future solicitors whom we want to see succeed.
Ready to Apply?
Application process:
Our application and selection process is as follows:
- Submit your CV using the application form above.
- Complete all application questions included within the application form.
- Prepare your video application and email the link to Careers@thompsons-scotland.co.uk, ensuring that you include your full name in the email.
- Once the application deadline has passed, all completed applications will be reviewed. We aim to complete this process by early December, with applicants receiving an update shortly afterwards.
- Applicants selected to progress to the next stage will be invited to attend an in-person interview in January 2027. As part of the selection process, you will also be asked to complete a practical IT skills test.
- All applicants who attend an interview will receive an outcome by February 2027, confirming whether they will be offered a place on the programme.
Please note that your application will only be considered complete and submitted for review once we have received your CV, completed application questions and video application.
Video Application:
As part of your application, we would like to hear a little more about you and your interest in joining Thompsons.
Once you have completed and submitted the application form on our website, please send us a short video of no more than two minutes and upload to YouTube answering the following questions:
- Why do you want to work for Thompsons and join our programme?
- What areas of law interest you most, and why?
Please email your video to Careers@thompsons-scotland.co.uk.
Your video forms part of the application process. Your application will only be submitted for review once we have received both your completed online application form and your video.
Please ensure that both elements are submitted by the application deadline.
Please ensure the privacy settings on YouTube will allow us to view your video.
Ready to take the next step in your legal career? Show us what you can bring to Thompsons by applying above.
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Please note we do not accept applications or introductions from recruitment agencies for this programme. All enquiries and applications should be made directly by candidates by applying on our website (email applications not accepted).
LLB+ Programme - Student to Solicitor in Scotland employer: Thompsons Scotland
Thompsons Scotland is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in Glasgow where you can make a real difference in the lives of clients seeking justice. With a strong focus on mentorship and professional development, our Life Impact Team provides invaluable hands-on training that paves the way for your progression towards qualification as a solicitor. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values collaboration, integrity, and the pursuit of meaningful outcomes.
