Shakespeare Martineau is to recruit trainees in Scotland for the first time.

The firm is currently taking applications for two trainee positions in its Glasgow office, one to start later in 2022 and one in 2024. The bulk of the training contracts will be in the commercial property group. Trainees will assist in purchases, sales, leases, corporate assist acquisitions, utilities connections, and bank security work. They will earn £23,000 in their first year and £26,000 in the second year.

Glasgow partner Amal Kaur said: “We continue to provide tailored Scots law services to our clients and are investing internally in quality training to expand our resources. We’re really excited to be taking on a commercial trainee this year and another in 2024. We are committed to investing in our people, looking for someone to bring their authentic selves to this new role and immerse themselves in all areas of commercial practice with the support of the national firm and our wider trainee cohort.”

Midlands-headquartered Shakespeare Martineau currently recruits in the region of 10 trainees per year in England. First-year trainees based outside London currently start on £26,000 rising to £27,000 in their second year and £40,000 on qualification. Their peers in the capital start on £29,000 rising to £34,000 and then £60,000 as a newly-qualified solicitor.