Watermans, the Edinburgh-based solicitor and estate agents, has launched its 2024 legal trainee recruitment drive with a twist.

Gone are the formal assessments normally set by the more conventional companies, with applicants asked to showcase their personalities either through a video, presentation or art.

It’s all part of Watermans’ more modern approach to the sector, with a limited number of summer openings available at the firm, which has its head office in Leith.

The owner-led business, which also has offices in Glasgow and Dundee, prides itself on providing clients ‘straightforward legal advice’ and aims to onboard the right people by getting to know the individual behind the law degree through the 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.

Managing director Scott Whyte (pictured above) 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.”

He added: “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.

We take our commitment to developing the legal profession very seriously. We love providing an environment where trainee solicitors can come and develop their skills and take the first steps on their career journey. 

Law firms have a duty to play an active and positive role in ensuring the next generation are well equipped to take the whole profession forward.”

Last year’s inaugural programme saw seven law graduates join the business. Applications for the 2024 Legal Traineeships for anyone holding a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice run until Monday the 28th of January with a similar number of places available.