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 Taysideand are renowned for their expertise in all aspects of the law. It is also well known thatthey 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 selectionday. 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.
"For several years after completing my BA in Law I worked as a Conveyancing Paralegal for both small and large firms. It was during this time I decided I had more potential and wanted to be a Solicitor. I studied for the Law Society Exams while working full time and then completed the Diploma in Legal Practice as a mature student at the University of Dundee. I enjoyed learning and wanted to widen my knowledge of the law so I was better able to advise clients.
I chose Thorntons because I wanted the best traineeship available. I spoke to other Solicitors and Trainees and I knew that Thorntons offered a varied traineeship, which was important to me and just what I was looking for.
My traineeship at Thorntons has been just as I expected. I have completed seats in Residential Conveyancing, Private Client, Land & Rural Business and Litigation. No two seats are the same and there is always a good, friendly working environment.
Each seat allows you to take on as much work and responsibility as you are willing and able to deal with and you are encouraged and supported in doing so. Each day brings something different and I always feel like I have learned something new at the end of the day.
Thorntons clearly invest in their Trainees. With each seat you are allocated a training Partner who is always on hand to provide help and support as well as a dedicated Learning and Development specialist.
"After studying Marketing at Dundee College I spent some time travelling around the Caribbean, America and Australia. When I returned home I decided I wanted a structured career progression so chose to study Law. I studied the accredited LLB at the University of Abertay and completed my postgraduate diploma at the University of Dundee.
Thorntons are the largest law firm in the area, and having previously worked here on a summer placement I knew they were a good firm to work for. Thorntons acknowledge a work/life balance and is somewhere I can gain lots of varied experience.
As a trainee I have completed seats in Private Client, Conveyancing, Land and Rural Business and Litigation. From day one you are given responsibility and files to work on, you are treated as a Solicitor and feel as though you are really contributing to the firm.
The 'hands on' approach by Thorntons provides great experience and learning. There are always people available for guidance and support whether it is your Training Partner, other fee-earners in the department, HR or IT.
Thorntons provides great working facilities which allow you to get on with your work as a Solicitor.
"I studied Law at the University of Strathclyde and completed my diploma at the University of Dundee. I have always been interested in Law, so a career as a Solicitor was an easy choice.
I chose a traineeship with Thorntons after speaking to their representatives at the University Law Fair. Thorntons are a real 'full service' firm and being able to obtain such diverse training really appealed to me. I had enjoyed many aspects of my degree and wasn't ready to settle on a particular area of the law at such an early stage.
I have completed seats in Commercial Property, Dundee and Litigation in Forfar and Arbroath. The diversity and quality of the training provided by Thorntons is excellent. You are fully supported throughout your traineeship, whether that is by your Training Partner, the Learning and Development Department or by HR, someone is always available to answer your many questions and give you guidance.
Thorntons approach to traineeships is very much 'hands on' from day one and I have always been made to feel like a valuable member of the team.