I left school undecided about what I wanted to do and what I wanted to be. I decided to enroll at Aberdeen College studying a HNC in Administration and Business Technology, as I believed this to be a good foundation for my future career. It was during this course that I first came into contact with legal studies. It became apparent that I had a keen interest in the subject and I went on to complete my Accelerated Law Degree and my Diploma in Legal Practice at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.
When looking for a traineeship I knew I wanted it to be varied. Thorntons provides an excellent opportunity to be involved with so many different areas of the legal profession, the big appeal for me was that the firm was "full service". I knew my traineeship would be varied, being split over four "seats" in different departments as well as locations. The traineeship at Thorntons allows for a well rounded traineeship with exposure to a number of areas of the profession, and in turn, it allows you to work with people who are specialists in those particular areas.
I am currently in my first seat in the Private Client Department in Dundee. My workload is varied, and includes drafting Wills and Powers of Attorneys, Guardianships, Executries and Land and Rural Business work. You are provided with responsibility and made to feel like an important part of the team from day one.
Thorntons offer an excellent support system. The staff are extremely helpful and answer any questions you may have, whether it is your training partner, secretaries, or assistants, everyone has a wealth of knowledge and are only more than willing to share it.
I have always wanted a career which was rewarding and would allow me to help others.The law affects all aspects of our lives but it is often complex and confusing for those without legal training. At university I decided that I wanted to make the law more accessible to others, especially in times of personal crisis.
Having lived in Dundee whilst at University, it was obvious that Thorntons had a big presence.
I wanted to work for a law firm with an impeccable reputation and one which also offered a wide range of services to their clients to allow me to get the best training possible and experience different areas of the law. I also wanted to work for a firm which were focused on the needs of their clients, was forward thinking and who recognised the need to be flexible and adapt to changing markets and developments in technology.Thorntons stood out as a firm which shared my vision.
Every day is different and provides new challenges; I am always learning something new. Although the work is challenging, I have never been thrown in at the deep end. The staff at Thorntons are all extremely approachable, encouraging and always willing to guide you if you are unsure about things.
I wanted a career where no two days were the same and where I was going to be challenged; so I chose a career in Law!
When I began to think about a traineeship, I quickly decided that I wanted to work for a full service firm with a reputation for excellence in all fields. Thorntons are a long established firm in Tayside and are renowned for their expertise in all aspects of the law. It is also well known that they provide an excellent traineeship, giving you the opportunity to gain experience in many different areas of the law.
My first encounter with Thorntons was at their trainee group selection day. When recruiting trainees Thorntons not only consider your qualifications, but personality and attitude are also very important to them. This event gives you the opportunity to meet and mingle with the HR team, Partners and current trainees.
Any traineeship presents a steep learning curve, especially if you are fresh out of University. Thorntons appreciate this and your first week with the firm is dedicated solely to training and familiarising yourself with the firm. This allows you to ease yourself in at the start of your traineeship.
Once in your first seat you are assigned a training Partner who oversees the work that you do and with whom you can discuss all aspects of that seat.
The legal professionals at Thorntons are proven problem-solvers and innovators, readily willing to take on new roles and responsibilities, to tackle new challenges and to embrace our ever changing legal system. Many of the partners, Associates and solicitors at Thorntons actually trained with the firm and have remained there ever since. Therefore, they know exactly what it is like to be a trainee and the various demands that can be placed upon you.