Dylan Ackerley: Trainee to DRL Solicitor in Edinburgh

Life as a trainee in Edinburgh: Dylan’s experience

Dylan Ackerley completed his two-year traineeship with Lindsays in late 2025 and joined our Dispute Resolution and Litigation (DRL) team in Edinburgh. He also completed seats in our Corporate and Charities group, and in Commercial Property.

Why I chose Lindsays

When I came out of the LLB and the Diploma, I was not sure which area of law I wanted to go into. Lindsays had a good reputation as a full-service firm offering a wide range of seats and experiences where I could figure out what I wanted to do.

Also, after the first interview, I just knew Lindsays was the right place for me. Coming into the final stage interview, I was determined to get it.

Why I chose DRL

When I was doing the traineeship seat in DRL, I liked the fact that on any given day, I had no idea what was going to come across my desk. I could pick up the phone to someone and it could completely change my day. I enjoy the variety and unpredictability, and the process of problem-solving to address each issue.

The support I received

As a trainee, I had a buddy from my first day, who came and met me at reception. You’re not thrown straight into work – in your induction programme with HR, you meet different teams and are walked through all the processes you need to know.

Then there are HR catch-ups every three months, and you have Peat 2 Quarterly Performance Reviews with your supervisor, so you get a clear idea throughout of your progress.

After the first interview, I just knew Lindsays was the right place for me. Coming into the final stage interview, I was determined to get it.

The culture at Lindsays

I think with the people at Lindsays, there's a willingness to help you succeed. If you show interest and effort, people will get behind you. Even colleagues in departments that I've never worked in, or people I’ve just passed in the corridor, will stop to ask me how I’m getting on and whether I’m enjoying my seat. They genuinely want to see you succeed.

Everyone wants to do well and work hard here, but it’s not a Dog-eat-dog environment.

Life beyond the desk

I've tried to get myself involved in all the social events. Team drinks, quiz nights, a curry night; in one team we went to the Fringe with clients, and a group of us from the different offices attended the Scottish Young Lawyers Association ball which was fun. There’s a wide range of things going on socially, and there’s no pressure to do all of them, it feels like a positive thing.

They genuinely want you to succeed.

Making your application

I was nervous about my traineeship application because I didn’t have work experience or internships in a legal firm. But I talked about my experience of working in customer service and as a brand ambassador, and found ways to make it relevant to my application. I’d advise other trainees to do the same.