What is your role, and when did you join the firm?
I am a Trainee Solicitor, and I joined the firm in August 2024.
What inspired you to apply to this law firm?
I saw that the firm had a strong litigation presence within Scotland and dealt with Islamic Finance matters.
What does a typical work day look like?
There is no typical day, which is one of the reasons I love coming into work! I arrive at the office just before 9:00 AM and often have a task from the previous day or week waiting for me due to how work is allocated in my current team. I catch up with colleagues as we all log in and settle for the day. I have my breakfast, usually Weetabix, at around 10:00 AM while sitting at my desk. At around 1:00 PM, weather permitting, I go on a short walk around Glasgow city centre with some colleagues to freshen up. I then have my lunch and return to my desk to carry on with my day. I usually have a fruit break at around 3:30 PM and then continue working until around 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM.
What are your working hours like?
I would say most days are around 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM/6:00 PM.
What is the single most important think you have learned so far as a trainee?
Write down instructions and repeat them back to ensure clarity!
What are your top tips for someone applying to this law firm?
Apply! It is an excellent place to work, and I cannot give the firm and its people enough credit for the quality of training I have received so far.
Have someone else review your application to ensure it makes sense and to check for any grammar errors.
Be yourself! AG values individuals who bring their authentic selves to work, so stay true to who you are.
What’s the best piece of work you’ve been involved in?
I was able to manage the purchase of a commercial property during my second month in the Transactional Real Estate team. This gave me the opportunity to liaise directly with another firm's partners and chair an in-person meeting with our clients. The transaction was even reported in a local newspaper, and it remains one of my proudest achievements.
Are you involved with any of the Firm’s networks?
I am involved in AG Embrace and the firm's Muslim Network. AG Embrace is the firm's ethnic diversity network, which hosts events such as the South Asian Heritage Month celebration and other initiatives promoting ethnic diversity. The AG Muslim Network in Scotland is steadily growing with support from colleagues of different faiths. Recently, we hosted a Ramadan event attended by Sheikh Amin Buxton of Edinburgh Central Mosque and organised a special dinner to celebrate Eid-Al-Adha.
What makes this law firm a great place to work?
The people! Everyone at AG is friendly and welcoming. I know that when I go into the office, I will be surrounded by colleagues who support me, uplift me, and make me enjoy coming to work.
What are the most important qualities you need to be a lawyer?
Enthusiasm, curiosity, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to take on board feedback. Enthusiasm is key because showing a keen interest in something helps you understand it better and enjoy it more. Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it turns a good lawyer into a great one! Being curious about the "why" behind a piece of work is essential to understanding its commercial nature, which is how you develop "commercial awareness." A keen eye for detail is crucial in both your application to AG and the work you do, as it ensures polished drafts and helps you spot errors more easily. The ability to take on board feedback is valuable at all levels of the legal profession. We are constantly receiving feedback from supervisors, senior colleagues, peers, and clients, and using this feedback to improve our efficiency and effectiveness is vital for success in our roles.
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