Case study

Makki Tahir — Trainee solicitor

Employer
Addleshaw Goddard

Makki studied BA Honours in Law, Graduate Entry LLB and a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice before joining Addleshaw Goddard (AG) as a trainee solicitor

Why did you apply to AG?

I saw that the firm had a strong litigation presence within Scotland and dealt with Islamic Finance matters which is an area I’m interested in.

What does a typical 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 9am 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. At around 1pm, 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 and continue working until around 5:30pm/6pm.

What’s the most important think you’ve learned so far as a trainee?

Write down instructions and repeat them back to ensure clarity.

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 AG 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 - Showing a keen interest in something helps you understand it better and enjoy it more.
  • Curiosity - Understanding the ‘why’ behind a piece of work is essential to understanding its commercial nature, which is how you develop commercial awareness.
  • An eye for detail - Crucial in both your application to AG and the work you do, as it ensures polished drafts and helps you spot errors more easily.
  • Ability to take on feedback - 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.

What are your top tips for someone applying to AG?

  • Have someone else review your application to ensure it makes sense and to check for any errors.
  • Be yourself. AG values individuals who bring their authentic selves to work, so stay true to who you are.

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