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Raeburns’ Traineeship Applications for 2028 Are Now Open
Applications for our 2028 Traineeship are now open. If you’re considering a career in law and wondering what a traineeship in Aberdeen actually involves, Matt Fraser, now a solicitor at Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace (Raeburns) having started out as a trainee himself, shares his advice for anyone thinking about applying.
“As a former trainee solicitor, I appreciate how important it is to work in an environment where your contribution is recognised, your development is actively supported, and you are given genuine opportunities to learn and progress,” said Matt.
“With offices across the North East of Scotland, Raeburns offers trainees the opportunity to work closely with clients and solicitors across a broad range of practice areas. The firm’s strong reputation, collaborative culture, and commitment to developing its people make it an excellent place to start your legal career.”
What we look for in a trainee
A willingness to learn matters most. You’ll be exposed to new areas of law, so being open to feedback and keen to develop makes a difference. Beyond that, we look for:
Teamwork – much of the work is collaborative, so being supportive, approachable and reliable helps you build strong working relationships
Resilience – the work can be demanding, with tight deadlines, so staying calm under pressure counts
Communication skills – both written and spoken, as you’ll be working with both clients and colleagues
Attention to detail – small errors can have big consequences in legal work
Organisation – good time management helps you stay on top of competing deadlines
Initiative – taking ownership of tasks and thinking ahead helps you stand out
How a traineeship at Raeburns works
Trainees typically rotate across three or four departments, spending around six to eight months in each. It’s a chance to try different areas of law before deciding where you’d like to specialise.
How to apply
There’s no formal application form. Instead, send your CV and a covering letter through our online application portal. You’ll receive an automated response confirming we’ve received it.
If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to a panel interview with three of our Partners. The process usually runs over two to three months, with panel interviews held in November for traineeships starting in September 2028. We aim to let candidates know the outcome within two weeks of their interview.
Matt’s tips for feeling confident about your application
Having been through the process himself, Matt’s advice for this year’s applicants is:
- Take your time with the covering letter. It’s your chance to explain why you specifically want to train with Raeburns.
- Don’t underestimate presentation. A well-structured application, free from typos, makes a strong first impression.
- On your CV, list more than just your grades. Part-time jobs, volunteering, sports or hobbies all show transferable skills worth including.
- You don’t need legal experience to apply, but if you’ve got any, even voluntary, it’s worth mentioning.
- Try to relax on the day. Every Partner interviewing you has been through the same process themselves and wants you to do well.
- Prepare a few real examples that show your skills, and have a couple of questions ready to ask too.
For full details, download our Traineeship Pack here.
If you’re ready to start your legal career with us, applications for our 2028 Traineeship are open now. Apply here.
The closing date for applications is Friday 16th October 2026.