Stronachs

Overview

Stronachs LLP is a leading independent, full-service law firm headquartered in Aberdeen with a second office in Inverness. The firm combines deep sector knowledge—notably in energy (oil & gas and renewables), corporate, commercial property, private client and rural/agriculture—with strong local roots in north and north‑east Scotland while servicing clients across the UK and internationally. Its distinguishing features include long heritage (more than 150 years of activity noted on the firm site), a broad full‑service offering tailored to regional industry sectors (energy, agriculture, food & drink, construction), and a committed training and development programme for future solicitors.

Headquarters: Aberdeen, 28 Albyn Place
Trainees: Up to five per year
Offices: 2

Values & Culture

Practice Areas

Agriculture & Rural
Banking & Finance
Corporate & M&A
Dispute Resolution & Litigation
Employment
Energy & Natural Resources
Intellectual Property
Private Client & Wealth
Real Estate
Construction & Engineering
Transport & Logistics
Charities & Not-for-Profit
Tax
Data Protection & Privacy
Shipping & Maritime

Geographic Focus: Primary strength and client base lie in north and north‑east Scotland (Aberdeen and Inverness). The firm acts for local private clients, family businesses and regional SMEs as well as major corporates and international energy operators; it states a reach that extends to clients in the City of London, across continental Europe and with an international network covering the Americas, Europe, Africa and south east Asia.

Training Contract

Traineeships run over the usual traineeship period (two years is implied by news updates) with trainees in Aberdeen able to work in up to four different teams during the traineeship. Seats are allocated across core departments and each trainee is assigned a partner for the duration of each seat. Aberdeen traineeships expose candidates to corporate, commercial property, dispute resolution, employment, oil & gas law, private client and property work; Inverness traineeships focus on corporate law, dispute resolution and commercial property, with some exposure to private client work.

Trainee Intake: Up to five per year

Seat Options

Corporate & M&A
Real Estate
Dispute Resolution & Litigation
Employment
Energy & Natural Resources
Private Client & Wealth
Residential Property

Sponsorship

The firm states that it pays above Law Society of Scotland recommended rates for trainees and that it pays a cash contribution to successful candidates at the start of the Diploma to assist with course fees (PGDL/Diploma support).

Mentorship

Trainees are assigned a partner for the duration of each seat and are provided with close supervision and ongoing professional development; the firm references partner supervision and a supportive team environment.

Apply on the Stronachs website →

Programmes & Schemes

Summer Placements for Law Students

Two‑week summer placements for 3rd, 4th and Diploma year law students based in the Aberdeen office. Each student is assigned to one or two teams, receives an introduction to work in that practice area, undertakes research and drafting, attends training and, where possible, attends client meetings with fee earners. The scheme is intended to give an insight into firm culture and the type of work trainees do.

Duration: 2 weeks
Places: Up to six students
Deadline: 2027-02-28

Apply →

Work Placements for School Pupils

One‑week placement scheme for school pupils (secondary education from third year onwards) across Aberdeen City and Shire. The placement provides an introduction to working life at the firm and runs January to June each year.

Duration: 1 week

Apply →

Notable Matters

Acquisitions and disposals of upstream energy assets

The firm states experience acting on acquisitions and disposals including the purchase and sale of more than 50 oil and gas fields with deal values aggregating billions of dollars; work spans cross-border transactions, asset deals and corporate disposals across multiple jurisdictions.

Corporate & M&A

Ongoing instructions for major energy operators

Stronachs acts for a number of upstream energy and gas companies on a range of commercial, corporate and project matters; named clients on the firm site include Harbour Energy, Dana Petroleum, TotalEnergies, Black Sea Oil & Gas, Ithaca Energy, Seplat Resources, EnQuest, Petrofac and CNR.

Energy & Natural Resources

Renewables project development and onshore/offshore renewables support

The firm advises on onshore and offshore renewables projects including site assembly, planning, procurement and construction agreements, wayleaves/servitudes and project funding; work draws on commercial property, rural and corporate teams to support wind, hydro, solar and biomass projects.

Energy & Natural Resources

Private client executries, trusts and succession planning for high‑net‑worth and farming clients

The Private Client team handles large executries, family trust work and succession planning for business and farming interests (including STEP‑qualified work and support for STEP qualifications), advising on Inheritance Tax and complex estate matters.

Private Client & Wealth

What Stronachs Looks For

Key Competencies

Commercial awareness
Strong written and verbal communication
Attention to detail
Teamwork and collaborative approach
Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development
Ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload
Client-facing professionalism and relationship-building

Evidence Signals

Relevant sector work experience (energy/oil & gas, renewables, rural/agriculture, commercial property)
Private client experience for Private Client roles (wills, trusts, executries)
Commercial property or construction experience for property roles
Participation in university law fairs or legal careers events (firm attends University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University fairs)
STEP or trust & estate training interest (Private Client team supportive of STEP qualification)

Benefits & Wellbeing

Above Law Society of Scotland recommended trainee rates (firm states it pays above recommended rates)
Cash contribution at the start of the Diploma to assist with course fees (PGDL/Diploma support)
Comprehensive benefits package (stated in job adverts)
Contributory pension scheme
Cash-back healthcare
Flexible working and flexible remote working options (role dependent)
Support and funding for STEP qualification (Private Client team; 'fully supported and funded' for STEP)
Active Social & Charities Committee
Enhanced holiday provision noted for some roles

Wellbeing

The firm provides accessibility and reasonable adjustment support (access to signing/interpretative services, large print, wheelchair accessibility, audio/video conferencing, meetings at alternative venues).

Awards & Recognition

Legal 500 UK rankings across multiple practice areas (noted in firm content for 2024/2025/2026 references)
Chambers & Partners recognition (noted in firm content for 2024/2026 references)
Shortlisted: Scottish Legal Awards – Family Law or Private Client Team of the Year (finalist 2024; shortlisted again 2026)
Partner shortlisted: Legal 500 Scotland Awards – 'Rising Star of the Year' shortlist for Callum Armstrong (2024)
Stronachs re-accredited as Platinum STEP Employer Partner (2026)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Stronachs states it promotes an inclusive culture where diversity is valued, recruits/trains/promotes staff on the basis of ability, contribution and potential, and is committed to ensuring no-one is treated less favourably on protected grounds. The firm has committed to implementing the Law Society of Scotland’s Equality and Diversity Standards and holds Platinum STEP Employer Partner accreditation.

Commitment to implementing the Law Society of Scotland’s Equality and Diversity Standards
Platinum STEP Employer Partner accreditation

Innovation

Quick Application Angles

Emphasise relevant sector experience: reference energy, rural/agriculture or commercial property work where possible to align with the firm’s regional strengths (north and north‑east Scotland and energy sector focus).
If applying to Private Client, note STEP interest or experience and mention the firm’s STEP Platinum Employer support and Private Client rankings/shortlistings.
For trainee or placement applications, reference practical examples of teamwork, client communication and adaptability — the firm assigns a partner to each seat and values close supervision and practical readiness.
Mention the firm’s involvement in renewables/energy transition or cite a recent insight (e.g., agriculture & climate change or Aberdeen Energy Transition Zone content) to show commercial awareness of local market trends.
Use the trainee brochure and trainee testimonials linked on the firm site to personalise applications and demonstrate specific knowledge of the firm’s seat structure and development opportunities.