Read what our Trainees have to say about a Thorntons Traineeship.
Stephen O'Hare, Trainee Solicitor
Before joining Thorntons, my career had been spent in telecommunications and cloud computing. I worked for a global provider and was responsible for managing and growing relationships with clients in the large enterprise sector across Europe and North America. During this time I worked closely with our team of in-house counsel and this was where my interest in the law developed.
I chose to apply to Thorntons for my traineeship as I was keen to work for a successful, growing, full-service firm in which I was going to gain exposure to the best training, the ability to work alongside accredited specialists in different areas of law and the opportunity of a degree of flexibility around training seats. Thorntons fitted the bill perfectly!
I’m currently in my second seat in the Dundee Corporate team. One particular aspect of my traineeship that I have enjoyed so far has been the opportunity to work with a variety of clients. From helping people who have been left in vulnerable positions as a result of personal injuries sustained through no fault of their own, to helping clients restructure or sell their family business, to working with international brands, charitable organisations and tech startups, the diversity of work on offer and the opportunity for lots of direct client contact has been fantastic.
My advice to future applicants would be to keep an open mind about the area of law you think you might like to specialise in as the day-to-day practical side may be very different to your academic perception. Be open-minded too about the geographic area in which you might like to work as there are some great and varied opportunities outside the major cities.
Vicki Alexander, Trainee Solicitor
I always wanted a career where the work I did helped people. I thought law would be a challenging career where no two days would be the same. I studied at the University of Dundee whilst initially working at Thorntons as a paralegal during my diploma. This role further helped me to develop my legal skills and allowed me to gain legal experience prior to commencing my traineeship.
A full service firm appealed to me in order to get the most well rounded traineeship with top quality training. The firm has grown and developed over recent years and continues to do so, making it an exciting firm to be part of.
I have been working on client matters daily since commencing my traineeship, which means I have had a lot of client contact from the start. My supervising Partner is very approachable. We have daily chats about our current cases and I am passed work which we sit down and go through together. The firm has introduced their own Trainee Continuing Professional Development (TCPD) which has been of high quality and very beneficial.
If I was asked to give one piece of an advice to future applicants, I would say be yourself. The firm really takes time to get to know you and make you feel part of the Thorntons team.
Katy Williams, Trainee Solicitor
When I was at school, I had no idea what I wanted to do as a career. Before I chose to study law, at the University of Aberdeen, I did some work experience at Thorntons and a number of other law firms and I loved every minute of it!
I knew, from previous work experience, that Thorntons is a firm which gives trainees a high level of responsibility. Trainees are given their own work from day one. I enjoy this level of responsibility, and appreciate that support is always available when required. Everyone is helpful, supportive and always willing to answer questions. I have learned that you can never ask too many questions and that no question is silly. Additionally, the firm runs a mentor programme in which trainees are paired up with someone from the firm who will provide support and advice throughout the traineeship. This support is invaluable and gives trainees the opportunity to talk through any aspects of the traineeship.
There are great opportunities within Thorntons to meet and work with people from different parts of the firm and there are also always good social events to get involved in!
Daniel McGinn, NQ
Before I started my traineeship at Thorntons, I often heard that "no day is ever the same when working in a law firm", and it really is true. I finished school at 17 and knew I wanted to study law. I always wanted to be a solicitor because I wanted a career that would challenge me as well as help others.
I graduated from the University of the Dundee and gained a traineeship with Thorntons in 2014. I sought a traineeship with Thorntons because they are one of the largest and most reputable firms in the North East of Scotland, and also because of the opportunity to gain experience within different legal disciplines. I am keen to extend my knowledge in various fields of the law and knew this would be something I would be afforded the opportunity of at Thorntons.
I am currently in my first seat in Personal Injury. Although I have only been in this seat a few months, I feel I have learnt a great deal already. The people at Thorntons make it a great place to work; having nice colleagues to spend your working day with is just an added bonus. I really have been made to feel part of the team from day one. My colleagues consider tasks for me to do that benefit me and help develop my legal skills and knowledge which I find to be really helpful.