Eleven trainee solicitors have started two-year traineeships with leading Scottish law firm Thorntons which will see them shadow senior staff from 10 offices across a variety of specialisms.

The programme is believed to be the most comprehensive and varied scheme in the sector, and aims to develop legal skills, strong client care and communication attributes of all trainees under close guidance.

The eleven trainees for 2018 – who come from all across Scotland including Dundee, Fife, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Falkirk and Inverness – are Chloe Anderson, Alan Bell, Catriona Black, Hayley Blackman, Lindsay Cross, Alex Dawson, Scott Douglas, Maria Gravelle, Anna Hills, Angela Robertson and Jillian McLaughlin.

Back from left to right: Angela Robertson, Lindsay Cross, Alex Dawson, Colin Graham, Hayley Blackman, Anna Hills, Jillian McLaughlin, Scott Douglas

Front from left to right: Catriona Black, Alan Bell, Chloe Anderson and Maria Gravelle.

Alex Dawson, trainee at Thorntons, said: “My journey with Thorntons began after I graduated in English law and started as a paralegal in the Personal Injury team in 2015. I was instantly impressed with how committed the firm is to client service and to the surrounding communities, and quickly realised I wanted to develop my legal career with Thorntons.

“As a full service law firm, Thorntons will provide me with the opportunity to work alongside accredited specialists and to gain experience in a wide range of legal departments. I know Thorntons will help me reach my full potential as I was very much encouraged and supported by my colleagues to dual qualify in Scots law and apply for a traineeship. I am now excited to be starting my career with a firm which invests in its employees’ development.”

Colin Graham, Chairman at Thorntons, said: “As a full service firm we offer our trainees the opportunity to gain crucial experience in the widest possible range of legal specialities working with diverse clients and work.

“Investing in training and development continues to remain significant in our overall growth strategy, and taking on eleven trainees demonstrates an investment to the legal profession as a whole.

“We’re proud of the traineeship programme we provide – it gives the trainees a strong foundation and start of their legal career. We hope that many of the new recruits will continue their career development with the firm upon completion.”