Life as a trainee in Dundee: Jennifer’s experience
Jennifer Philp completed a Psychology degree and worked in retail before studying Law. Her Lindsays traineeship in Dundee included seats in Commercial Property and Rural Property, Private Client and Residential Conveyancing. She’s now qualified and works in our Commercial Property team.
Why I chose Lindsays
One of the reasons I wanted to train at Lindsays was the variety of seats I could do in Dundee. And I liked the structure of having three eight-month seats, because you really get embedded in what you’re doing and learning.
I also feel like the support for early-stage solicitors is very good here. I'm actively encouraged to take ownership of a transaction rather than being told what the next steps are, but support is always available if I need it.
Learning from my colleagues
It’s been interesting seeing how the different teams here focus on CPD and Trainee CPD. In the Rural team, we had weekly CPD sessions where people discussed a topic or ongoing matters leading to a conversation. I found it useful to listen and learn from other solicitors talking, and hearing how they actually handle an issue rather than just reading about it.
And in Commercial Property, there are monthly knowledge-sharing meetings across all the teams. It’s a really good way to share information and updates.
I'm actively encouraged to take ownership of a transaction rather than being told what the next steps are, but support is always available if I need it.
The culture at Lindsays
I would say it's extremely supportive. No matter who you ask – a senior partner or a secretary – anyone will help you. It’s also very inclusive, with people from lots of different backgrounds and with different hobbies. In the Commercial Property team, they're trying to get me to join the curling team, so I may have to give in!
Whichever office you go to – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Perth – everyone’s very friendly and there's always somebody you recognise.
The work-life balance
When I interviewed with Lindsays for the traineeship, while I was doing the Diploma in Legal Practice, I was eight months pregnant with my second child! The gap between applying and starting worked really well, as I was able to spend time with my daughter before she started nursery.
As a trainee, I worked full time in the office – which was tough at times – but the firm was open to considering a part-time traineeship if I was really struggling. Once I qualified, I reduced my hours to 9.30am to 4.00pm each day. Not an eyelid was bat when I asked if that was possible – there’s an open dialogue here where you’re comfortable asking about flexible arrangements.
Advice to aspiring lawyers
When you’re a trainee, I would say, be sure to actively listen to what's happening around you and try and understand how the teams operate. There are always nuances in any team regarding how the work is distributed or picked up, and once you get that sorted, you're already halfway there.
Put your hands up if you're stuck. Somebody will know the answer and they’ll be more than willing to help you.
