Newly qualified solicitors

Becoming a newly qualified solicitor is an exciting first step towards carving out a career in a sector or specialism.

From day one, our NQs are given the best training, support and experience so that they can become the lawyers they want to be. Working alongside many of Scotland's leading legal experts, our newly qualified solicitors will have the opportunity to collaborate with, and advise, high profile clients on Scottish, UK and international matters that are critical to their businesses and/or personal lives, as well as the wider economy and society.

We are committed to working in a way that best delivers on client objectives, colleague wellbeing and productivity, with valuable in-person training, mentoring and collaboration opportunities. Working from our Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness offices, NQs may also get the opportunity to visit our London or Brussels offices as well as having the flexibility to work from home.

Junior lawyer seminars

Are you interested in finding out more about a specific practice area in our firm – or looking to apply for an NQ solicitor position with us? Our tailored seminars for junior lawyers gives an insight into the different practice areas, the work that they do and the clients they represent.

Designed specifically for newly qualified solicitors, trainees and law students, these pre recorded sessions feature colleagues from across our firm, who provide an insight into different areas of law and what you can expect as a newly qualified solicitor.

Watch the seminars here
Read our blogs

Watch the seminars on our YouTube channel.

Read our traineeship blogs to find out more about life at Brodies.

Our values

Our values of courage, character, care, collaborative and collegiate are more than just a strapline. Whether delivering services to our clients, fulfilling our professional duties as solicitors, or contributing to the wider economy and communities in which we work, our values inform everything we do.

Learn more

Rewards & benefits

We provide a total reward approach where our wide range of benefits gives colleagues the opportunity to tailor a package that is suited to their lifestyle and life-stage.

Learn more

Finance & protection

Our range of fixed and voluntary financial benefits help give our colleagues peace of mind. All colleagues are eligible for discretionary firm-wide and individual performance bonuses.

Lifestyle

Our lifestyle benefits are designed to make you feel valued and encourage a positive work-life balance.

Wellbeing

We have a variety of health and wellbeing initiatives that support our colleagues to achieve optimum physical and mental health in a way that works for them.

Family policy

To help our colleagues find the right balance between work and family responsibilities, we offer equal benefits and flexibility for all new parents, foster carers and grandparents.

Help & advice

What does Brodies look for in NQ candidates?

Understanding and living our values is important as they underline the behaviours we expect from all our colleagues.
What advice would you give to a second-year trainee applying for NQ roles?

Take time to reflect on your traineeship. Think about what you enjoyed. Don't be afraid to get in touch with lawyers already working in the area you are interested in to find out more about the team and the work you'd be involved in. Click here for our top five tips for making your application stand out.
Do I need to have completed a seat in the area that I'm interested in applying for?

No, just let us know in your application why you are drawn to this specialism and think about the transferrable skills you have that make you the right person for the role.
How do I apply for an NQ role at Brodies?

Our main NQ recruitment drive usually launches in the spring, however we regularly have opportunities for junior lawyers. Click here to view our current vacancies.
What can I expect from the NQ recruitment process?

Recruitment for newly qualified lawyers usually involves a short written assessment and up to two interviews with the recruiting partner and another senior member of the team. Our interviews aim to give you the opportunity to find out more about the role you are applying for, the team and the wider firm, as well as an opportunity for us to find out about you. Our interviews are relaxed in style and conversational as we believe this will allow you to perform to the best of your ability.
What support can I expect to receive as I move into an NQ Role?

All our NQs are allocated a dedicated mentor who provides invaluable support as you transition into your NQ role. You'll have regular meaningful conversations with your line manager to discuss objectives, support and training and to identify any opportunities to help you progress. Our firm-wide training programme is designed to help our lawyers develop key business skills and enhance their legal knowledge. This comprehensive training programme is tailored to colleagues at the different stages of their career. Bespoke team training is also provided.
What's the social life like at Brodies?

We have a variety of networks, committees and clubs to enable colleagues to come together as a community and to make it easy to get to know people across the firm. Our Colleague Networks - carers', multicultural, parents', Pride and women's - give colleagues a collective voice to enable positive change. Our climate, environment, and sustainability group also champions change, helping colleagues and the firm to take real positive actions towards improving the sustainability of our working practices, work environment and individual lives. Care is our charitable initiative, for which colleagues can join the committee. Socially, our colleagues enjoy our golf society, running and rounders clubs, and Yoga and Pilates classes.
Can I apply speculatively?

Yes, you can send your CV to legalrecruitment@brodies.com and we'll consider you for any vacant roles. If there aren't any, your details will be kept on file for six months and we'll contact you should a suitable role arise.