We are committed to recruiting and developing talented people who are passionate about serving the public interest and supporting justice in Scotland.
Our legal traineeship provides an exciting and varied route into the legal profession, offering hands-on experience across a range of legal disciplines. It is an excellent opportunity for aspiring solicitors who are interested in a career in public prosecution and the wider Scottish justice system.
Programme details
A legal traineeship is the final stage of qualification as a Scottish solicitor. It consists of a two-year period of supervised practical training and professional development within a legal workplace.
First year
During your first year, you will gain experience across a range of legal areas and develop an understanding of COPFS's national role within Scotland's justice system. Placements may include:
- Local Court
- Appeals
- Civil recovery
- High Court
- International cooperation
- Policy and engagement
- Proceeds of crime
- Crown counsel
- Scottish fatalities investigations
- Litigation
During your first year you will shadow experienced legal staff. You may carry out legal research, work with evidence, and prepare appeals. As your experience develops, you may begin appearing in court under supervision and contributing to cases with international dimensions through cross-border cooperation work.
Second year
In your second year, you will build on the foundations developed during your first year and gain deeper experience as a prosecutor.
You may prepare and present cases in the Justice of the Peace Court and Sheriff Summary Court, developing advocacy, decision-making and courtroom skills under the guidance of experienced prosecutors.
Throughout your first and second year you will receive dedicated support and a structured training programme to enhance your legal skills and experience.
Why train with COPFS?
COPFS is Scotland's sole prosecution authority and the largest employer of lawyers in Scotland. As a trainee solicitor, you will make a meaningful contribution to cases that matter, supporting the delivery of justice across the country.
From an early stage in your traineeship, you will be trusted with responsibility, supported by experienced legal professionals, and given opportunities to develop practical legal skills in a real-world environment.
You will work alongside some of Scotland's most experienced prosecutors and legal specialists while developing the skills and confidence needed for a successful legal career.
Many of our trainees go on to secure permanent legal roles within COPFS and progress into senior positions across the organisation and wider legal profession.
Learning and development
Throughout the traineeship, you will receive structured training, regular supervision and ongoing feedback to support your professional development. You will work closely with experienced legal colleagues who will help you build the skills, knowledge and confidence required to qualify as a solicitor and develop a career within COPFS.
Entry requirements
You will need to have the following to take up a traineeship with COPFS:
- An LLB in Scots Law (or equivalent qualification incorporating Scots Law)
- A Diploma in Professional Legal Practice
- An Entrance Certificate from the Law Society of Scotland
How to apply
We recruit for our legal traineeship once a year, usually in Autumn. Keep an eye on our current vacancies page for the next intake. You should also be able to save an alert to keep you notified on new vacancies that are posted.
COPFS uses Success Profiles as its recruitment framework. When you apply for a traineeship with COPFS you will be assessed against the Success Profile outlined in the application pack for the post. More guidance on how you application will be assessed using Success Profiles is available on our webpage 'How your application is assessed - Success Profiles'
If you application is successful in passing the initial sift stage, you may be invite to complete a further assessment. Please consult the application pack for further information on this.
Find out more
If you would like to talk to us about the legal traineeship please contact our recruitment team:
- telephone: 0300 020 6203
- email: recruitment@copfs.gov.uk