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Solicitor: Claire

This Case Study belongs to Solicitor, Scotland.

Claire graduated with an MA (Hons) in American Studies and Psychology in 1996 and an LLB in 2004 from the University of Dundee.

Claire's LLB was vocational - it was always her intention to use it to practise law. Private practice appealed to her over public service, such as Local Authority or the Scottish Executive. She knew that she would receive a varied traineeship in private practice, gaining experience in different areas of the law.

Claire applied for the job and went through the interview process. However, she was convinced it was the lunch afterwards and being able to talk to people in a more relaxed setting that landed it for her!

Claire's advice on getting into a job in a legal firm is the old cliche - try to get some experience. She was turned down at the application stage for many traineeships because she she did not have any experience working in a law firm. Even if you work for free for a legal firm over a summer, it will stand you in good stead. However, the most important point is to be yourself. Don't try to be something you are not. It will come through in the interview, even if you think it will not. With that in mind, make sure the firm you are applying to work for is who you would want to work for. Two years is a long time to be in a job or with a firm that you do not like. Do your homework about the firm, the type fo work they do and the people you might meet at the interview. When in an interview, take a moment to think about the answer you are about to give, rather than just blurting something out, and be honest!

Once you are in the job, to get on, show your enthusiasm for doing the job and show that you are willing to adapt and be flexible. Never think that you are too good to do any job - getting to know office procedures is just as an important part of the job as knowing the law. The worst jobs in the world will still be a learning experience. Never be afraid to ask questions. If you are stuck, there is bound to be someone who will have the answer.

Claire's degree gave her the knowledge of law and the skills necessary to conduct legal research. It also gave her experience in critically analysing problems to find appropriate solutions. Being a vocational degree, it is very relevant to the job she does now.

As a trainee, getting to grips with the various office procedures, as well as managing your work, is quite demanding. Knowledge of office procedures develops over the first few months of training but there are still times where you will get things a bit wrong! After completing three seats during her two-year traineeship, Claire was offered a job in the intellectual property and education law team, which she took.

Her role has developed from that as a trainee, as she is given more responsibility for managing her own work and accounting for her time. The type of work she is given is becoming more complex and her skills are developing. She has been given the opportunity to represent her firm at seminars out of the office, and to hold in-house seminars.

Case Study sourced by Rebecca Brown of AGCAS, 04 June 2008.