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Catherine Henderson, from Glasgow - Trainee
Towards the end of my third year at Glasgow University, I began to think about which area of law I was most interested in and the type of firm I wanted to join. I had enjoyed the company law course during my second year and started to research commercial law firms. Initially, I was attracted by the big City firms and excited at the prospect of working in London. However, I soon realised that a traineeship in London would require me to spend another year at university and I wasn't convinced that I wanted to be recruited as one of over 60 trainees.
I first encountered Dickson Minto at the Glasgow law fair at the beginning of my final year. The trainee I met there was really friendly, answered all my questions and gave me the impression she genuinely enjoyed working for the firm.
I submitted my application form the following week and was pleased when I received a call inviting me to attend an interview. At first, I felt intimidated at the prospect of being grilled by two partners, but they soon made me feel at ease and it was refreshing not to be confronted with any psychometric tests! I was delighted when I was subsequently offered a traineeship and excited to be moving to Edinburgh.
During the summer before I started work, DM organised a 'welcome' dinner and drinks which gave me the opportunity to meet the rest of the firm together with the other first year trainees. This meant that, when I walked through the front door on my first day, I was greeted by familiar faces and everyone was very approachable.
My first seat was in general corporate and I was fortunate to join the team at a busy time. At first, I was worried that I couldn't make much of a contribution but I was made to feel part of the team almost immediately. I was exposed to several transactions over the first few months of my traineeship which meant that I learnt quickly and was able to meet clients and attend completion meetings. Of course, this meant that I had to work an occasional late night, but they really were 'occasional' and I was always made to feel that my efforts were being appreciated.
Although it is a corporate traineeship, there is a wide variety of work involved and I am now enjoying my second seat in intellectual property. The firm also provides weekly training sessions for the first year trainees on a range of topics together with lunchtime sessions for the whole office on a regular basis. These sessions have furthered my understanding of corporate transactions and keep me up to date with relevant developments or changes in the law.
Aside from providing excellent legal training, DM is a really sociable place to work. The firm organises several events for the whole office to participate in and, since starting my traineeship, I have enjoyed attending the black tie Christmas party, an office outing to Turnberry, ghost tours and curling, in addition to regular after-work drinks and team lunches.
DM has given me the opportunity to work in a challenging and client focused environment, while enabling me to achieve a healthy 'work/life' balance.
