Coming later to law: Nick’s switch from corporate life
With a degree in Geology and Management, Nick Howie started his career in the commercial arm of a major construction firm and then worked in management for a well-known international retailer before deciding to study Law. Having joined Lindsays in 2023, he’s now a Partner in our Corporate team in Glasgow.
The challenges of coming late to law
At the time, some firms only seemed interested in traineeship applicants who’d followed the traditional route of studying Law straight from school. But I found a firm who were enthusiastic about my experience in the corporate world. And I think that nowadays, many more firms are open to people taking different routes into law.
The benefits of experience
On a personal basis, it was useful to have spent time working in business. I was four or five years older than most trainees and I knew how to navigate office life. I’d also learned how to manage projects – making sure that everybody’s on board and working as a team.
My experience also gave me a degree of confidence and authority. It might have been the first time I was giving advice on a legal matter, but I knew how to walk into a meeting with people I’d never met before and hold the room.
Clients liked the fact that I had some life and business experience: I understood the pressures and realities of their world.
The move to Lindsays
I joined Lindsays after 18 years’ experience in corporate and commercial law. Already a partner in another law firm, I was attracted by the ethos and nature of the work at Lindsays. The culture is open and supportive, with a healthy work-life balance, and our team is good at sharing work effectively, so you get a diverse mix of clients and projects.
Advice for career-changers
Don’t let rejections deter you when applying for traineeships. There are firms out there that welcome candidates with diverse experience and recognise it as an asset.
Secondly, connect with your peers. We had quite a large cohort of graduate-entry students when I did my LLB, and we were good at sharing information and experiences with one another. Being part of that group helped me significantly.
