Rachael Gibson, a Trainee Solicitor based in our Edinburgh firm, tells us about her Gillespie Macandrew summer internship experience and what drove her to pursue a career in law.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
I find it hard to pinpoint a single moment or instance which made me want to become a solicitor. There are no lawyers in my family, nor did I ever have any great desire to change the world. However, I do always remember my Mum saying when I was 12 that I had an unnatural ability to come out on top when we would debate and that perhaps I should consider a career as a lawyer.
I was inspired by the idea of building a career in a sector where the work I do is important and worthwhile. Becoming a lawyer allows me to join a profession filled with people who are experts in their fields, driven by the work they do and the service they provide. I am inspired to become part of a profession where I know I will be challenged to deliver the best work that I can, in an area which I am interested in. On a more personal level, I have a love for reading and language and those who know me personally know I am a rather risk-averse human being – a natural fit for the profession.
Can you talk us through your experience of applying for the traineeship programme?
I gained my traineeship with the firm following a successful summer internship in 2022. I spent four weeks in the firm and was fortunate enough to spend time in both the Dispute Resolution and Energy and Strategic Land teams. The summer internship really allowed me to get a feel for the firm and its people. I felt instantly like the firm were interested in who I am as a person, rather than just my qualifications and experience. I loved my time here as a summer intern and when they offered me a place as a Trainee Solicitor, I was thrilled.
What were your first impressions of Gillespie Macandrew?
The positive culture and supportive working relationships at GM really struck me early on in my internship, and this first impression has made a lasting impact, through to my traineeship. As a new face, GM really does feel like one big team, with each department collaborating together. The positive culture and environment immediately put any new job anxiety at ease and allowed me to feel comfortable growing and developing. I think this is also reflective of the Gillespie Macandrew’s values.
What have been the most rewarding experiences you’ve had as a trainee lawyer, and how have they helped you grow personally and professionally?
My first seat in residential property has been hugely rewarding so far, particularly because I have been able to support clients purchasing property. I recently assisted an overseas client in the purchase of their first property in Scotland, which was a significant life experience for them. For this client, buying property in Scotland was an entirely new experience. As such, we had to make sure that we were delivering clear advice which the client could easily understand and act on. Whilst also supporting them by reducing the stress and anxiety associated with purchasing property. Being involved in this purchase really helped to develop me both professionally and personally. On one hand, I gained a huge amount of professional experience being exposed to new tasks and aspects of a transaction. On the other, from a personal perspective, it helped to remind me that the most important aspect of a Solicitor’s work is the client experience, tailoring our service and advice to our clients’ individual needs.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career in law and undertaking a legal traineeship?
For anyone who is considering a career in law and looking to undertake a legal traineeship to be confident in their own skills and take every opportunity to develop where you can.
Going to University and obtaining a law degree can often create a lot of imposter syndrome and it can feel like experience in the legal profession is impossible to obtain. My role as a Trainee Solicitor is the first time I have ever worked in a law firm or purely in the legal sector. I gained experience and development during university by working and taking all the opportunities to develop my transferable skills. Whilst these skills were not developed purely in the legal sector, they have been hugely beneficial in the early stages of my traineeship.