Ritchie Whyte, Associate

I started my Traineeship after having worked part-time with the Firm during my studies at Aberdeen University. Even when I was working only a few hours a week as a Summer Student, I was always made to feel like part of the team and so was delighted to have the chance to further my career with the Firm.

I spent the first 6 months working in the Firm’s Lender Services Department, which involved working with Lender clients in repossession and recovery actions. The remainder of my Traineeship was spent working in the Firm’s Corporate and Commercial Department, where I assisted a Partner with a diverse caseload of work covering a broad spectrum of commercial property and corporate matters. Very quickly, I was given the opportunity to show initiative and get involved with some interesting and engaging transactions. Whilst often working as part of a team, I was always encouraged to take responsibility and to have confidence in my own abilities as an individual and, in particular, face-to-face client contact was phased in at an early stage.

In general, the Firm fosters an ethos of hard work and I experienced my fair share of late nights! However, my efforts were always recognised and I was aware that my knowledge and capacity to deal with things were improving all the time, which in turn helped keep me motivated.

The Firm also encourage a healthy social camaraderie between the trainees, solicitors, partners and the staff in general – and there is nothing better than relaxing and having a drink with your colleagues after a hard day at the office!