Graduate Recruitment

Why did you choose Harper Macleod?

Aside from having one of the most active intellectual property teams in Scotland, I was also drawn to Harper Macleod by its in-house PEAT 2 programme which allows trainees to improve their understanding of the practicalities of the legal profession with the aid of the firm’s vastly experienced practitioners.

Why choose a specialist, single seat traineeship?

The main appeal of the single seat traineeship was the prospect of essentially being four times as experienced upon becoming a newly qualified solicitor relative to those undertaking a traditional, four seat traineeship. The fact that I also already had a good idea of the area of law in which I wanted to specialise was also a key factor in that decision.

What advice do you have for people looking for a traineeship?

Knowing about the firm and the area of law is crucial to demonstrating a genuine interest to a potential employer. Additionally, while it might sound like a bit of a cliché, being yourself throughout the recruitment process is always best – I think this helps to highlight your strengths to those reading your application and speaking to you at interview.

What are the challenges you may face as a trainee?

Every trainee will have to deal with situations in which they are inexperienced or find themselves outside of their comfort zone. Being receptive to advice and guidance in these situations is the main way of building up the necessary skills to tackle a career in law.

What do you most enjoy about working at HM?

I would say that the thing I enjoy most about working at Harper Macleod is my daily exposure to an exceptionally varied range of legal work, which ensures that no two days are the same.

Describe HM and its people in five words

1. Supportive
2. Collaborative
3. Driven
4. Fun
5. Ambitious

Why did you choose Harper Macleod?

Harper Macleod has a focus on developing within Scotland, providing a wide range of specialist legal services to a variety of clients. I liked that the firm has a real interest in expanding the team in the north, particularly in Moray, which sets it apart from other large Scottish firms, while still having a huge network with the teams in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Why choose a specialist, single seat traineeship?

The single seat traineeship provides you with the opportunity to have more time to develop your knowledge and experience in a particular area. Instead of moving seats after six months (just when you are starting to get the hang of things!), the single seat traineeship allows you to take your time throughout the full two years to learn as much as you can. This allows you to build relationships with clients over a series of transactions, and to get to know your colleagues better as well. It also helps you to build confidence in your ability, as you have more chance to experience different types of transactions more than once or twice, which I feel makes you better equipped for post-qualification.

What advice do you have for people looking for a traineeship?

Do your research and show an interest in the firm you are applying for. Make sure you have genuine examples for your answers, whether it is from studying, the diploma, or work – these will help when you reach the interview stage.

What are the challenges you may face as a trainee?

You will be given tasks that you will be uncertain on how to complete, and you might struggle with the balance between giving it a go yourself and asking for help. There will also be times when you have a heavy workload, and prioritising matters and managing your time well can also be a challenge. However, you learn something from each of these situations, so as time goes on the challenges are easier to deal with.

What do you most enjoy about working at HM?

Although I have had a single seat traineeship, I have enjoyed a real variety in the work I am doing within the team, from assisting on transactions for local, small businesses and individuals, to transactions for large companies, as well as assisting on corporate and banking transactions, all over the country. I have not found it to be restrictive being based in the north or being in a single seat in terms of how much I have learned and the diversity of the clients we help.

Describe HM and its people in five words

1. Ambitious
2. Supportive
3. Hard-working
4. Approachable
5. Challenging

Why did you choose Harper Macleod?

I chose Harper Macleod because of its reputation as a leading Scottish firm and because the firm has a reputable corporate practice. When I was applying for traineeships, one of the things which set HM apart from other firms was the opportunity to do a specialist corporate traineeship. From my first interactions with HM, it was evident that it is an innovative and ambitious firm with a welcoming and supportive culture.

Why choose a specialist, single seat traineeship?

I knew from the outset that I wanted to do corporate so the opportunity to do a single seat was a no-brainer for me. The range of experience and depth of knowledge I have gained doing a specialist traineeship is invaluable. Being in a single seat has allowed me to develop stronger relationships with clients and be involved in more complex transactional work than if I had done a rotational traineeship. Spending two years in the corporate team has also allowed me the opportunity to take on more opportunities and responsibilities in my role which HM is very supportive of.

What advice do you have for people looking for a traineeship?

Do your research and make sure you are selective about applying to firms that are the right fit for you. It was important to me that the there was a good workplace culture and that the firm’s values aligned with my own. It was clear to me from my first interview that HM was the right firm for me which made the recruitment process a more pleasant experience.

What are the challenges you may face as a trainee?

There is a huge amount to learn, particularly in the initial few months as you are finding your feet. There is also the challenge of starting in a new team and meeting new people. However, everyone at HM is very welcoming, supportive and always willing to offer help and guidance or answer any questions. From my experience, colleagues at all levels in my team and also in the wider firm have always been willing to share their knowledge and experience with me and invested time in my training which has helped me feel better prepared to face challenges I’ve come across as a trainee.

What do you most enjoy about working at HM?

I am lucky to work in a great team who make coming to work enjoyable every day. I enjoy working on a variety of different deals with clients across different sectors. No two days are the same which keeps the job exciting.

Describe HM and its people in five words

1. Supportive
2. Innovative
3. Driven
4. Ambitious
5. Successful

Why did you choose Harper Macleod?

Harper Macleod is renowned for its expertise in renewable energy projects across Scotland. To have the opportunity to work with leaders in the industry is something I found very appealing.

What do you most enjoy about working at HM?

Working on interesting, complex and varied transactions. The people at Harper Macleod are also very supportive, which makes the job a lot easier.

What advice do you have for people looking for a traineeship?

Nobody is perfect so don’t paint a fake image of yourself during the application process. Be yourself.

What are the challenges you may face as a trainee?

Being put in situations where you have not done something before or you are not sure what is the best way to approach a task. I think these situations are good because that is ultimately how we grow and get better.

Describe HM and its people in five words

1. Dynamic
2. Smart
3. Interesting
4. Fun
5. Supportive

Why did you choose Harper Macleod?

I was drawn to HM initially due to its reputation, a Scottish firm always punching above its weight, with lots of interesting clients across all sectors.

What do you most enjoy about working at HM?

The variety. It may be cliché, but no two days are the same. You are trusted and given a lot of responsibility from day one. This helped build my confidence massively.

What advice do you have for people looking for a traineeship?

Patience! It may take a while, but the right offer will come along. It is so important that you are the right fit for the firm but also that the firm is the right fit for you.

What are the challenges you may face as a trainee?

It can be overwhelming at times, but my best piece of advice is to always ask questions. Your colleagues are there to help and support you. There is a great team environment within Harper Macleod and there is no such thing as a silly question.

Describe HM and its people in five words

1. Ambitious
2. Vibrant
3. Challenging
4. Supportive
5. Exciting

Why did you choose Harper Macleod?

When applying for traineeships I took advice from friends in the legal industry who identified HM as having a very good reputation as well as being a good firm to learn and progress with.

What do you most enjoy about working at HM

I wouldn’t get as much responsibility at this stage of my career in other firms. I am also

exposed to good variety of work and clients. More senior staff at HM are great at providing support not just with work tasks, but also with guidance on career progression.

What advice do you have for people looking for a traineeship?

Look for firms that do the sort of work you are interested in. Don’t just apply to a firm for the sake of it if they don’t work in the area of law you want to work in. You don’t have to get your traineeship on day one, you have more time than you think.

What are the challenges you may face as a trainee?

Learning new day-to-day skills such as time recording effectively, managing client expectations and keeping on top of your workload, while still making yourself available to assist on cases/projects you are interested in working on.

Describe HM and its people in five words

1. Experienced
2. Motivated
3. Collaborative
4. Social
5. Approachable