From Our Trainees
Jacqui Mitchell
The transition from University to the office can be daunting. Rumours of traineeships spent beside the photocopier are widespread. However on starting my traineeship at WJM that myth was immediately dispelled.
My first of four six-month “seats” in my traineeship was in WJM’s Private Client Group. I was immediately struck by the amount of client contact and the level of responsibility that I was given. This made me feel like I was making a real contribution to the work of the firm but at no time did I ever feel like I was being dropped in at the deep end.
My training at WJM has taken place in a supportive environment where I feel I have been both challenged and encouraged to develop. As a result of the exposure to a variety of different areas of the law, my time here has enabled me to decide on the area of law which I enjoy most and which I would like to pursue.
The emphasis at WJM is on learning and, with a structured programme of trainee-focused seminars throughout the year, the opportunities to further your knowledge and gain an insight into the different practice areas of the firm are there to be had. Regular appraisals and feedback enable you to monitor your own progress and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
There is a strong feeling of people working together at WJM and, as a trainee, you are very much made to feel part of this from day one. WJM has an extremely active social committee with events throughout the year, helping you to get to know everyone in the firm. Highlights of the year are the Summer Outing, Annual Boules Evening and the Burns Supper.
The size of the firm is ideal, meaning you have exposure to a variety of different aspects of the law but at the same time you are soon known and know everyone within the firm and are not just an anonymous trainee. I have valued and enjoyed my traineeship at WJM and strongly believe it is the best foundation I could have had for my future career. WJM was by far the most welcoming firm I encountered during the traineeship recruitment process and has meant that I chose to do my traineeship at a firm which I have come to respect and where I enjoy coming to work each day.
Jacqui Mitchell
Assistant Solicitor
Louise Fisher
There was an initial panic when I started my traineeship. I felt that I knew nothing but everyone at WJM wants to help you do well. They’ll take the time to teach and encourage you, to explain and introduce you to new areas. There is a great feeling of togetherness, and a unity of purpose at WJM. My confidence was built by feeling valued and encouraged and then learning becomes easier and often a whole load of fun.
Fun is something that there is an abundance of at WJM. The social committee motto: “the firm that plays together, stays together” illustrates the firm’s ethos perfectly. We have an extremely active social life with loads of exciting events organised by the social committee every month - from ‘beerienteering’ to barn dances.
The firm works hard together, plays hard together and it is genuinely a great place to train.
Louise Fisher
Assistant Solicitor
Angus MacLeod
WJM kept me on after qualifying in 2000, and I now work in the firm’s Technology team, which deals with commercial law and intellectual property. At times, WJM seems to be a paradox in the legal world. It’s a firm with a very long pedigree and a well-established commercial reputation among clients and other lawyers. In other ways, it’s a young firm, with a name for developing innovative practices which make it a different kind of place to work.
My experience here has certainly been interesting and professionally challenging. This is also a friendly firm with a lively social life and an appreciation that while it’s important to work hard and achieve success, there are other important things in life too!
Angus MacLeod
Partner
