Prime Highlight
- Scottish law firm Thorntons is expanding its Prime initiative placements to Glasgow, in addition to Edinburgh and Dundee, to improve access to legal careers for students from less privileged backgrounds.
- The programme aims to inspire young people, build confidence, and develop practical skills through immersive legal learning and one-to-one mentoring.
Key Facts
- Up to 30 students will take part in week-long placements in 2026, with support for travel and expenses to remove financial barriers.
- The placements will run from June 29 to July 3 in Glasgow, July 6 to 10 in Edinburgh, and July 20 to 24 in Dundee.
Background
Scottish law firm Thorntons has strengthened its commitment to social inclusion by expanding its work placement programme aimed at students from less privileged backgrounds. The firm said the move is designed to improve access to legal careers and inspire young people who may not otherwise consider the profession.
Following a successful first year, Thorntons will expand its participation in the Prime initiative from 2026. The programme will now include placements in Glasgow alongside existing locations in Edinburgh and Dundee. Up to 30 students will be offered week-long placements across the three offices, with applications opening in January.
Prime is a UK-wide alliance of law firms and in-house legal teams focused on widening access to the legal profession. Students selected for the scheme take part in an immersive week of legal learning. The programme includes case studies, presentations and interactive workshops, as well as visits to courts and universities. Participants also receive one-to-one mentoring from experienced solicitors who guide them through practical legal tasks and explain daily life in the profession.
Fiona Stewart, head of talent acquisition at Thorntons, said the firm has been encouraged by the strong response from students. She said the programme helps young people build confidence and develop practical and communication skills that will support their future education and career choices.
Thorntons said it is working with schools and local authorities to ensure eligible pupils are aware of the opportunity. Support with travel and expenses will be available to students who need it, helping to remove financial barriers to participation.
The 2026 placements will take place from June 29 to July 3 in Glasgow, July 6 to July 10 in Edinburgh, and July 20 to July 24 in Dundee.
Previous participants gave positive feedback, saying they liked exploring different areas of law and meeting professionals in the field.
