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Was your summer placement
challenging?
Yes. I found myself in the Contentious
Construction and Engineering Unit within the Glasgow
office during a very busy period in the summer of
2004. A number of the fee earners were involved
in a large case, which was to be heard imminently
in the High Court of Northern Ireland. My help in
preparing the Firm for the upcoming hearings was
much appreciated, but time constraints meant I was
required to work at the same intensity as experienced
lawyers. In fact, the volume of work was such that
I was invited to extend my placement by two weeks.
Was your summer placement
enjoyable?
Yes. I enjoyed the opportunity
to subsume myself within the Firm for a full five
weeks. This gave me an excellent taste of life as
a trainee with McGrigors, allowing me to settle
into my unit and get beyond learning the basics
of how the Firm functions day-to-day.
How helpful was your summer
placement in giving you an insight into a career
in law?
It was very helpful in giving
me an insight into life as a trainee; the first
step on the ladder to becoming a successful solicitor.
How well did your summer
placement meet your expectations?
My summer placement exceeded
my expectations. I was lucky enough to be asked
to accompany a partner to Northern Ireland for two
days to do some important work in clients’
offices. I certainly did not expect to be exposed
to such an interesting business trip during my time
as a summer student!
How friendly were the
McGrigors staff you met during your placement?
Everybody was extremely friendly
and approachable. This is a substantial reason why
I was persuaded to apply for a training contract
with McGrigors. I was very impressed by the communication
within the Firm amongst fee earners, support staff,
and summer students alike.
Describe your experience
overall?
I gained from my summer placement
exactly what I was hoping to gain: an affirmation
that McGrigors were the Firm for me. I developed
confidence in my own ability to progress as a successful
solicitor. I found the office to be a focused, practical
working environment populated by down to earth,
friendly people – just the sort of place where
I would like to work.
What is the next stage
of your relationship with McGrigors, when do you
join McGrigors?
I begin a training contract
in the London office in 2006 after completing the
Legal Practice Course at the Oxford Institute of
Legal Practice. I graduated in Law from the University
of Cambridge in July 2005.
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