Name of graduate scheme: Dentons Training Contract
University attended: Edinburgh, Sciences Po, Aberdeen University
Degree qualification and year of graduation: MA Politics -2021, Accelerated Scots and English Law 2023, and Diploma in Professional Legal Practice -2023
What is your role, when did you join the firm?
I am a trainee solicitor based in Dentons’ Edinburgh office, currently completing my final seat in the Litigation and Arbitration team and due to qualify into the team in September 2026. As part of Dentons’ Central Belt traineeship, I have also had opportunities to work from the Glasgow office and, occasionally, London. I joined the firm in September 2024 after completing the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Edinburgh.
What inspired you to apply to this law firm?
Dentons’ international reach was one of the main reasons I applied. I wanted to work on matters involving different jurisdictions and legal systems while remaining based in Scotland. I was also attracted by the firm’s open, diverse and forward-thinking culture. From speaking to people at the firm and researching it before applying, I got the impression that Dentons was collaborative and non-hierarchical, and that trainees were encouraged to contribute from an early stage. That has reflected my experience since joining.
What does a typical work day look like?
There is no completely typical day. I usually log on between 8.30 and 8.45 am, check whether anything urgent has arrived overnight and update the to-do list I prepared the previous evening. The rest of the day depends on the matters I am working on. Across my seats, I have worked in both contentious and transactional teams, so my tasks have ranged from drafting legal documents and advice notes to liaising with clients, opposing solicitors, counsel and the courts, as well as dealing with the Land Register.
What are your working hours like?
Working hours vary depending on the team and the deadlines involved. On a normal day, I will usually finish at around 5.30 pm, although it may be earlier or later depending on workload. There is not an expectation to work late without a reason, but urgent court, arbitration or transaction deadlines can occasionally require longer hours and the key to being successful and managing these sometimes unpredictable deadlines is to remain contactable in case things pop up. When that happens, the team works together and there is a strong sense that everyone is contributing.
What is the single most important thing you have learned so far as a trainee?
The most important lesson I have learned is not to be afraid to ask questions. It is always better to clarify something at the outset than to make assumptions and create avoidable work later. Asking questions also helps you understand the wider commercial context rather than simply completing an isolated task.
Unexpected tasks and changing priorities are a normal part of the job, so being adaptable is also important. At the same time, senior lawyers are approachable and available to discuss questions and review work before it is sent externally. Trainees are trusted with meaningful responsibility, but there is always support when you are dealing with something for the first time.
What are your top tips for someone applying to this law firm?
My main advice to anyone applying to Dentons is to do detailed research before starting the application. Understand the firm’s practice areas, international strategy and culture, and be able to explain specifically why those things appeal to you. A generic application is easy to spot. It is also worth attending careers fairs, networking sessions and other firm events, as conversations with people at Dentons can give you a much clearer understanding of the work and culture. I would also recommend asking a university careers adviser or someone you trust to review your application. A second pair of eyes is invaluable, particularly because attention to detail is such an important skill for a trainee solicitor.
What's the best piece of work you've been involved in?
One of the most rewarding matters I have worked on involved taking substantial responsibility for a potential international arbitration. I helped open the matter, communicated directly with an overseas client to gather the relevant information and drafted an advice note on the potentially wrongful termination of an international supply agreement governed by English law, with London as the proposed seat of arbitration. It was a good example of the cross-border work that first attracted me to Dentons and of the responsibility trainees can be given. Since then, I have also worked on a broad range of commercial litigation, arbitration white collar crime, fraud and technology-related disputes, which confirmed my decision to qualify into the Litigation and Arbitration team. I have also had a chance to go on an international client secondment which was also deeply rewarding from both a work and personal perspective as I developed a lot of legal and client skills on secondment.
What makes this law firm a great place to work?
Dentons is a great place to work because the culture is friendly, collaborative and genuinely non-hierarchical. Trainees are encouraged to express their views, take ownership of their work and become involved in high-quality matters at an early stage. The firm also makes a real effort to recognise hard work and create opportunities for people to connect through social and team events. It is exciting to be part of a growing firm that continues to win complex and interesting mandates.
What are the most important qualities you need to be a lawyer?
To be a successful lawyer, I think you need to be proactive, attentive to detail and commercially aware. Clients value lawyers who keep matters moving, communicate clearly and produce consistently high-quality work. Legal knowledge is essential, but it must be combined with an understanding of the client’s business, objectives and wider market. That is what enables lawyers to provide practical advice and remain trusted advisers rather than simply identifying legal issues.
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