‘Don’t be afraid’ — Seven senior Scottish lawyers and their advice for students, trainees and the solicitors of the future

Thinking about a career in law in Scotland? You’re not alone in feeling daunted, writes Joshua King, but there is sage counsel to draw upon.

Charting a career in law is an intimidating prospect, from studying law and getting a diploma to securing a traineeship. And all that just to put yourself on the map.

Fear not, because as part of the Next Generation series, I’ve spoken to seven leading Scottish lawyers who have been there, done that, and can help show the solicitors of tomorrow the way.

Read on for some punchy and relatable career advice for students, trainees and would-be solicitors.

Amer Anwar, principal solicitor at Aamer Anwar & Co

Never be scared to raise your voice for the truth, but always make sure you prepare, prepare and prepare again.

Patricia Thom, president of the Law Society of Scotland

The president of the Law Society in Wales also lectures at university. He tells his students that he compares [the career path] to a game of chess. Rather than being a pawn, just there to do what you’re told, but being vulnerable (probably pretty indispensable, but still plodding away straight ahead), he recommends that you try to be queens because they can move in any direction. Sometimes they move backwards, but they’re still in control and have a better handle on where their future is going.

I certainly have gone backwards and gone sideways. And I’d always recommend to young solicitors to be flexible and not just look straight ahead – look to the side. Appreciate that maybe if something isn’t working for them, they could stop and go in a different direction.

Ewart Baxter, senior lawyer at Lloyds Banking Group

Don’t just provide advice on and answer the question your client asks you, ask why they are asking. It’s the second bit that is the legal problem. The first bit is simply the client’s analysis.

Sue Arrowsmith-Rodger, professional support lawyer and legal director, Private Client Services at Thorntons

The best advice I was given as a trainee solicitor was to picture the future solicitor I wanted to become and to always aim for that. That goal will be different for each person: some people dream of becoming a partner at an existing firm, others dream of setting up their own niche practice, while others dream of becoming a technical expert who is called upon to speak on the conference circuits.

There’s no right or wrong goal, but we should always be taking active steps towards being our best selves.

A practical piece of advice someone gave me was to start good habits early, balancing work and social life, and building health and exercise into the normal working week. They reminded me that we should not put off the things we enjoy doing outside work until sometime in the future when we’re ‘less busy’ at work – that time will never come.

Jill Andrew, partner at Connell & Connell Solicitors

Conveyancing – you are the necessary inconvenience between your client and their keys.

Elizabeth Horsfall, child welfare reporter and safeguarder

Take it seriously and do your best. Ask for help when you need it. When you make a mistake (and you inevitably will), don’t try to conceal it. Be honest. Tell your boss or a colleague. Two heads are better than one.

Be open to changing direction if you feel a career in law isn’t for you.

Difficult or challenging files very rarely go away of their own accord. Putting them off just increases your stress and results in clients who are even more unhappy. Force yourself to deal with these. Break it down into chunks. Get a second opinion from a colleague. The Pomodoro Technique may help you get started – for example, force yourself to do just 15 minutes on the file. Once you get started, it’s easier to keep going.

Be polite, friendly and reasonable to deal with.

Ryan James Macready, senior associate and head of corporate at Dallas McMillan Solicitors

Don’t neglect your hobbies when you start your career. They will give you a clearer mind, and make you a better lawyer and a more well-rounded person.