Deborah Law, Partner
I studied Law with European Legal Studies at the University of Aberdeen and applied for a traineeship with the firm during my diploma in legal practice. I was initially attracted to the firm due to its size and reputation within the North East of Scotland. I attended a student presentation from the firm at the University of Aberdeen where I had an opportunity to meet with various members of staff. It was after this event that I felt that the firm might be a good fit for me because everyone I met was so personable and friendly.
When I was accepted for an interview I was of course nervous. However, when I met with one of the partners, James Downie, I felt at ease immediately. James did not make me feel intimidated or interrogated. He seemed genuinely interested in finding out what sort of person I was and whether or not I would be a good fit for the firm. My first interview was followed up by a second interview with James and Ewan Neilson and again I left with a very positive attitude towards the firm so was clearly delighted when they offered me a traineeship.
I commenced my traineeship with Stronachs in September 2010 and my first seat was within the Commercial Property team. I shared an office with a senior solicitor and an associate and I was made to feel part of the team from day one. My second seat was in the Corporate team following which I moved to the Dispute Resolution team. People are often nervous about attending court and I was no different. However, the team work very closely together to make sure that you are prepared for any hearing that you are attending and this takes away a lot of the nerves. As I began to relax into the role I realised that this was where I would like to see out the rest of my traineeship and ended up doing my fourth seat there. I qualified and was kept on in the Dispute Resolution team in September 2012 and have been there ever since.
I really appreciate the open door policy that all the other members of staff have. People are always happy to take the time to give you a helping hand either with the IT system, the legal work or just to find out how your weekend was. I also felt that as a Trainee I was given a lot of responsibility so when I qualified it wasn’t a massive shock to the system.
Stronachs is also a really social place to work. The firm support various events throughout the year with a Quiz Night, BBQ and Christmas Party. Out with the firm organised events people often get together on a Friday for a few drinks or dinner.
I have been with Stronachs for 12 years now and I have never regretted the decision to apply here and stay here. The firm is committed to helping develop the staff and wants to engage with us to ensure that the firm is working well as a team. This helps everyone to feel valued and create a happy working environment. VIEW PROFILE
