Paul Cook

I am a second year Trainee Solicitor based at a busy criminal defence firm in Greenock. Law was not a natural career path for me to take. I did not come from a line of Lawyers nor did I know any.

Arguably, my background did leave me at a slight disadvantage in the sense that I did not know anyone in the legal world and financing my time at University would have raised challenges. However, shortly before embarking on my university career, I was selected as a scholar of the LawScot Foundation. This charity helped me immeasurably during my legal education. They provided me with an annual bursary to assist me with living costs (which was essential as I moved away from home to attend university) and a Mentor from the legal profession to offer advice and support throughout my time at university on a number of matters.

Since starting my Traineeship, I have been appointed as an Alumni Trustee of the Foundation. I felt morally bound to take on this position due to the invaluable support it gave me during my time at university. Without this support, I doubt I would have become a Lawyer.