Tips for completing your application form
- Try to demonstrate your personality in the application form and differentiate yourself from other candidates.
- Extra-curricular activities and positions of responsibility help to differentiate you from other candidates, many of whom will have similar academic records. Therefore, make sure you spend time completing this section of the application form.
- A number of questions on the application form require you to demonstrate evidence of any research you have conducted about Lindsays. Try to gather this information from as many sources as possible.
- Don’t just provide us with a list of your work experience and dates. You should summarise the work involved, and describe any skills developed that you think will be transferable to a legal environment.
- Accuracy and attention to detail are paramount to the success of your application. Therefore, you must ensure that you have spell checked and proofread your application form prior to submission - don't fall at an easily avoided hurdle!
- All questions must be answered before you submit your application form. Don't leave your application until the last minute, start it well in advance of the deadline to ensure it is not rushed and you have had time to think through your answers.
What next?
All applications received will be reviewed and, if you are successful, you will be invited to attend a first round interview in March or April 2025. We will acknowledge receipt of your application, however, please note that, due to the volume of applications expected, we will not be able to provide feedback to those who are unsuccessful at the initial application stage.
First round interviews will be conducted by two members of the HR department via Teams and will last no longer than one hour. The interview will provide you with an opportunity to discuss in more detail specific areas of your application form and your interest in this vacancy. There will also be a number of competency-based questions centred on the key skills we expect from our trainees.
Candidates who are successful at the first interview will then be invited to attend a second round interview to be held in person at our head office in Edinburgh. This will be conducted by a Partner as well as a representative from the HR department. You may be required to complete a short piece of research prior to the interview and this will form part of the interview discussion.
FAQ - Application and interview
How many training contract vacancies do you have?
We will be recruiting an additional three trainees to start in August 2026, two for our office in Glasgow and one for Dundee.
How do I apply for a traineeship?
All applications must be submitted via our online application form. We do not accept applications made via CV.
When will the application form be available for completion?
The application form for our 2026 traineeship positions is now available
What is the deadline for submitting the application form submission?
The application deadline for 2026 traineeship positions will be 23.59hrs on 23 February 2025.
Please note applications will be reviewed upon receipt and interviews held on a rolling basis.
When will I hear if I have been selected for interview?
If you are successful, you may be invited to attend an interview at any time during March or April 2025. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the end of June 2025.
Will it be possible to get feedback on my application form should I be unsuccessful?
Owing to the large number of applications expected, we are unable to offer individual feedback to candidates at the application stage.
What is the interview process?
First round interviews are conducted by two members of the HR department and provide you with an opportunity to discuss in more detail specific areas of your application form, as well as the traineeships available. This interview also includes a number of competency based questions centred around the key skills we expect from our trainees. Interviews will take place virtually via Microsoft Teams.
Candidates who are successful at the first interview will then be invited to attend a second round interview in person. This will be conducted by a Partner and a member of the HR department. You may be required to complete a short piece of research prior to the interview and this will form part of the interview discussion.
FAQ - Traineeship
What departments are the traineeship positions based in?
Options could change but it is likely that there will be seats in Personal Injury, Rural Property, Corporate, Family, Employment, Private Client, Dispute Resolution or Commercial Property. Further details of the traineeships on offer can be found here.
How many departments will I have the chance to work in during my traineeship?
You will work in three departments throughout your two years.
Will I be able to state my preferences about which departments I train in?
You will have the opportunity to discuss your preferences at the first round interview.
What kind of work will I do during my traineeship?
Lindsays’ excellent client base provides interesting work for trainees and you will be given a wide variety of work with regular client contact.
Will I receive any training?
A comprehensive induction programme is provided in your first week. This will provide you with the knowledge required to get started when you join your department. This training will include IT, Finance, HR, Risk Management, Commercial Awareness, and Marketing & Business Development. You will also be required to complete two online training courses on Diversity and Data Protection.
Specific on-the-job departmental training will be provided throughout your traineeship and you will have the opportunity to attend internal training seminars. The Law Society requires all trainees to achieve the PEAT 2 outcomes through attendance at various seminars, conferences and skills workshops, all of which will be funded by Lindsays.
FAQ - Summer placements
Do you have a summer scheme?
No, we do not currently offer summer placements.
Can’t find the answer you are looking for?
If you have a question regarding our traineeship programme that has not been answered by the above, please email traineerecruitment@lindsays.co.uk
