The new trainees will undertake a comprehensive two-year programme designed to help them gain experience across a wide range of practice areas, including corporate, private client, litigation and property.

Working with Thorntons in house legal technologists, trainees will also have the opportunity to gain skills in emerging legal technology - helping to shape the future legal workforce and enabling them to follow a diverse career path. 

The new group, which joins 18 trainees now in the second year of their programme at the firm, includes: Rachel Anderson (personal injury, Edinburgh), Ellie Armstrong (intellectual property, Glasgow/Dundee), Emma Shopland (corporate, Edinburgh), Aimee Watson (private client, Edinburgh), Caitlin Williams (personal injury, Dundee), Katharine Leonard (private client, Edinburgh), Georgia Coull (commercial real estate, Edinburgh), Lucy Brown (intellectual property, Dundee), Emma Paterson (commercial real estate, Glasgow), Lewis Reilly (commercial real estate, Glasgow), Lanna Fitzgerald (private client, Inverness), Kitty Scott (private client, Perth), and Robyn Glee (intellectual property, Edinburgh).

New trainee solicitor Lewis Reilly, who has joined the commercial real estate team in Glasgow, said: “I chose [a career in] law because whatever you are doing for a client in their legal transaction is the most important thing in their life at that point in time.

“I applied to Thorntons because, whenever I met anyone from the firm at career fairs or events, there was a consistent personability that really stood out. That culture made me feel this was somewhere I would fit in.

“So far, my experience has been of a fast-paced environment where everyone I’ve met has been more than willing to help me along. I’m most looking forward to the process of learning and being able to look back in six, 12, and 18 months to see how far I’ve progressed.”

Thorntons’ chair Nick Barclay said: “At Thorntons, we are committed to supporting the next generation of lawyers and ensuring they have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Our people are at the heart of our business, and welcoming 19 new trainees is an important milestone as we continue to invest in our future.

“We know our clients benefit from the fresh perspectives our trainees bring, and we are proud to be able to offer them varied opportunities across our offices and practice areas.”