''After working as a welder for over 10 years I decided I wanted a change of career. I studied law at the University of Dundee through their Access Summer School.
Thorntons were well renowned for offering an excellent traineeship. The traineeship is spread over a variety of seats and office locations. This allows you to gain experience in at least four different areas. The training, although extremely well supported, is very hands on, and trainees are carrying out real client work. The fact that Thorntons is a full service firm really appealed to me as I was keen to try my hand at as many different aspects of legal practice as I could.
My first seat was in the Litigation department based in the firm's Arbroath office which involved a great deal of client contact. I had the opportunity to attended children's hearings, social work reviews and assisted clients with a variety of issues ranging from accident claims to divorce. I am now in my second seat in Commercial Property in the firm's new Dundee office. This seat, although extremely different, is also very interesting.
I enjoy many things about working for Thorntons; the varied work, state of the art technology and facilities, but the best aspect has to be the people. The support I have received throughout my traineeship so far has been immense. The Partners, trainers, and HR team have many years experience of bringing trainees on. The fact that they are so committed to training and developing across the firm really shows their investment in their trainees.
''I first came across Thorntons at Strathclyde University Law Fair. Their representatives were able to give real and truthful answers about what it was really like to be a Trainee at Thorntons and the challenges you were likely to experience – that was the difference I was looking for, I liked the fact that they were honest enough to tell you about their experiences. After talking to them I was very keen to secure a traineeship with them.
The interview process also confirmed that Thorntons were the firm for me. They want to select the right people in relation to personal qualities and characteristics and not solely on academic qualities. You could have the best grades in the world but if you don't have good interpersonal skills you will struggle no matter who or where you are.
Thorntons understand the importance of a work/life balance. Whilst they expect you to work hard they want you to play hard too. When you first start as a trainee 3 days are dedicated to initial training of the systems, phones, time recording etc this helps you ease yourself in and should you forget any of it then they are always there to ask. The training doesn't end after the 3 days though, they arrange refresher sessions and the departments themselves organise seminars relative to the department and changes in the law etc
My first 6 months was spent in Litigation at our Edinburgh office, where it was predominantly Court of Session work. I really enjoyed my time there, it is a small team therefore you are very involved from the off, getting to meet with clients, advocates, sit in on proofs etc. I am now in my second seat working in the Commercial Property department in Dundee, as this is the main office it is completely different to working in Edinburgh. You are working in larger teams and learning to manage a different style/type of workload.