May 2, 2023
Are you a final year law student or recent law graduate looking to secure an exciting opportunity to launch your career in the legal industry? Look no further than Dentons, one of the world’s largest law firms with over 10,000 lawyers in over 200 locations and across more than 80 countries.

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Securing a training contract with a top law firm is a key goal for many aspiring lawyers. A training contract provides practical experience and professional development opportunities that can be invaluable for building a successful career in law. Dentons is currently offering training contract opportunities across their Edinburgh and Glasgow offices. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what a training contract at Dentons involves and how you can apply for this unique opportunity.

Overview

The two-year, four-seat Training Contract at Dentons is designed to equip trainees with the skills required to be the lawyer of the future, now. Alongside market-leading support and development, trainees have the chance to put knowledge into action and start building their legal career from day one.

During the training contract, you’ll have the opportunity to work across a range of departments and teams, including Corporate, Litigation, Banking, and Real Estate. You’ll receive structured training and support throughout your contract, which will include a mix of formal training sessions and on-the-job experience. 

Benefits of a Training Contract with Dentons

Structured Training and Support

  • Dentons’ training contract is structured into four six-month seats, offering exposure to at least three different practice areas.
  • Trainees receive regular feedback and support from supervisors and are encouraged to shape their own development.
  • This structure with dedicated trainee talent development, coaching sessions, and mentoring helps trainees make an informed career decision

Opportunities for Hands-On Experience

  • The training contract provides trainees with practical experience working alongside experienced lawyers on real cases for real clients.
  • Trainees are given real responsibility from day one.

Investment in Trainee Development

  • Dentons is committed to investing in trainee development, offering a range of learning opportunities, formal training sessions, seminars, and workshops, as well as access to online resources.
  • Trainees have the opportunity to attend client meetings, court hearings, and negotiations, providing valuable exposure to the legal industry.

Support

  • Each seat has a dedicated supervisor to provide guidance and help define career path.
  • Support from trainee peers led by trainee representatives.
  • Active involvement in diversity and inclusion networks, social committee, and pro bono teams.
  • Trainee Development team available to discuss seat moves, secondments, and social events.

Competitive Salary and Benefits Package

  • Dentons offers a range of benefits to support trainees, including a competitive salary, private medical insurance, and a pension plan.
  • Flexible working arrangements can be tailored to the individual’s needs.
  • Additional benefits include:
    • GDL, LPC, and Diploma fees and maintenance grants.
    • Sports club membership.
    • Health Insurance.
    • 24 annual leave days.
    • Pension scheme.
    • Cycle to work scheme.
    • Access to well-being resources.
    • Restaurant discounts.

The Dentons Modernised Training Contract includes focus on developing life-long skills and knowledge for trainees across areas including: 

  • Legal innovation and digital transformation: bespoke programme for trainees to enhance their knowledge and undertake a new innovation project at every seat rotation.
  • Resilience: group workshops and one-to-one sessions designed to support trainees through the constantly changing environment of a legal career.
  • Legal project management: development of skills to manage projects profitably and understand clients and their businesses.

What Sets Dentons Apart

Dentons values diversity and inclusion and is committed to cultivating a workplace where all employees feel respected and valued. They recognize that a diverse workforce is crucial for a successful business and strive to create an inclusive culture. Additionally, Dentons actively encourages employees to give back to their local communities through pro bono and volunteering initiatives.

Trainees can also look forward to participating in various social activities through the Dentons’ Social Committee that organises various events or clubs in sports, arts and theatre. What’s more, the firm also allocates their trainees budgets if they want to start a new activity, social or networking event.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my training contract at Dentons. I find the firm culture to be very friendly and open: there isn’t a traditional hierarchy between Partners, Associates, and Trainees. Everyone is approachable and willing to help.”

-Hannah Johnston, Central Belt Trainee

The Opportunity to Train in Edinburgh and Glasgow

Dentons Central Belt Training Contract opportunities are across both offices located in the heart of two of Scotland’s most vibrant cities – Edinburgh and Glasgow. Both offices offer a range of legal services, including banking and finance, corporate, real estate, dispute resolution and litigation, and employment law. Additionally, Trainees on Dentons Central Belt TC have the opportunity to sit in practice areas across both offices giving them exposure to a wide range of local, national, and international clients and projects. These offices also provide a unique environment for trainees to develop their skills while being immersed in the local culture and legal community. 

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and is known for its historic architecture, beautiful parks, and vibrant cultural scene. It’s also home to the Scottish Parliament and the Royal Mile, a historic street lined with shops, pubs, and restaurants. The Edinburgh office is located in the city centre, just a short walk from Waverley Train Station.

Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and is known for its friendly people, lively nightlife, and world-class museums and galleries. It’s also a hub for business and industry, with a thriving financial sector and a growing tech scene. The Glasgow office is located in the city centre, just a short walk from Queen Street Train Station.

“Having moved from Glasgow to Edinburgh recently, I really enjoy that the two offices feel like an “all Scotland” team. I often work from either office and feel welcome in both locations, which has also allowed me to connect with people I wouldn’t otherwise meet. I especially enjoy being able to catch up with colleagues in our new Glasgow social space – “the Nook!””

Hannah Johnston, Central Belt Trainee

Application Dates and Deadlines

Applications for the 2025 Central Belt training contract are now open and will close on 15 June 2023.  

Dentons welcomes applications from final year law students and recent law graduates. Please note that this applies to those who have completed a qualifying law degree in Scotland. They also accept applications from those who have completed the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.

Dentons offer financial support to future trainees who are yet to commence the Diploma regarding course and exam fees, as well as a maintenance grant.

Step 1 – Application Form

The application process consists of an online application form, which includes questions about your academic background, work experience, and extracurricular activities. The form also includes supporting, long answer questions which will ask about your motivations, ambitions, and drive. Read our guide to stand out in this first step of the application process.

Step 2 – Legal High Potential Assessment

If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to complete an online Legal High Potential Assessment which consists of scenario-based, numerical and verbal questions, and a short video interview. Learn here about how to ace this and the next parts of process.

Step 3 – Video Interview

The next step will require you to undertake a video interview looking at your past experiences and the skills you have developed, along with your key drivers and strengths. 

Check out our top tips on how to prepare for a training contract video interview.

Step 4 – Assessment Centre

The final stage of the application process involves an assessment centre consisting of two exercises – a Written Exercise & Role Play and a Case Study & Final Interview.

The assessment process is designed to assess your skills and suitability for the role, as well as to give you the opportunity to learn more about Dentons and the legal industry. Follow our tips to ace your interview and secure your place at Dentons.

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Securing a training contract with Dentons is an excellent opportunity for final year law students, recent law graduates. A Dentons Central Belt training contract offers a unique opportunity for applicants looking to pursue a career in law with a unique Scottish experience through combining exposure across Dentons’ Edinburgh and Glasgow offices. With structured training and support, hands-on experience with real clients, and a competitive salary and benefits package, a Central Belt training contract with Dentons can set you up for a successful and rewarding career in commercial law. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity – apply today! 

If you’re interested in applying for the 2025 training contract, we encourage you to visit the Dentons’ website to learn more about the application process and to submit your application before the deadline of 15 June 2023. Keep in mind that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we recommend submitting your application when you feel ready and comfortable to do so, rather than waiting for the deadline date. This will ensure that your application is given the fullest consideration. We wish you the best of luck with your application!

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