Case study

Rachel Smith — Trainee solicitor

Employer
Dentons

After completing the LLB Scots Law with French Language and the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Glasgow, Rachel secured a training contract with leading law firm Dentons

Tell us about your role since joining the firm.

As a trainee solicitor, I generally split my time between our Glasgow and Edinburgh offices. However, I'm currently based in Toulouse, France, wrapping up the final weeks of my second seat out of four, each lasting six months.

My Dentons journey began with the Summer Vacation Scheme. Over the two weeks, I rotated between the Glasgow employment team and the Edinburgh construction team. That experience confirmed that I wanted to be a solicitor, and Dentons was the place to do it. The people, the fascinating caseload and the multi-jurisdictional clients made it an easy decision.

My first seat was with the Real Estate team in Glasgow, where I was thrown straight into the action. I quickly learned how to manage property transactions, handle LBTT (Land and Buildings Transaction Tax) matters, draft leases and licences, and see how different practice areas collaborate within a large, international firm. It was a steep learning curve, but the hands-on experience was invaluable.

For my second seat, I secured a client secondment with an aviation client in the South of France through our Asset, Trade, and Export Finance team. This was an ideal opportunity for me to use my language skills daily and experience the contrast from my first seat between in-house and private practice.

What inspired you to apply to this law firm?

During university, I completed an online commercial law internship and was drawn in by the variety and pace - problem-solving, multi-tasking, and working on fast-moving transactions. I knew I wanted a traineeship that would challenge me and keep me on my toes.

Dentons had always been on my radar (especially after meeting representatives at university open days) and immediately appealed to me because of its globality. I was eager to use my dual degree by working on cross-border matters, and the opportunity to move abroad was a huge draw. I have found both at Dentons.

Ultimately, it was Dentons' strong sense of community that sealed the deal in tandem with their commitment to impactful pro bono work. It was clear this was where I wanted to start my legal career.

What does a typical workday look like?

My first two seats have been transactional, and while they vary greatly, the commonality between them is that I am often juggling multiple matters. My days are filled with drafting documents; some standard and others tailored for a specific transaction or agreement. I negotiate terms with solicitors on the other side, brainstorm solutions with my team and conduct research on niche legal questions that emerge. It's a constant learning curve.

As a trainee, my work extends beyond administrative tasks. I regularly contact clients to update them, review documents, suggest the next steps in transactions and even take part in client interviews. It's far from the stereotype of the trainee charged with printing duties.

What are your working hours like?

The work is consistently busy, especially in transactional seats. As an early bird, I usually start work between 8.30am and 9am, and finish between 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Of course, there is the occasional late night. Depending on productivity periods, others prefer to start later and work into the evening.

With Dentons' international scope, there are times when we are working with clients or other law firms in different time zones - just as we would be winding down, they might be starting their day. It's taught me flexibility, but also to appreciate that one person's early morning is another's late night.

What is the most important thing you have learned so far as a trainee?

Don't be afraid to make mistakes. They're daunting but a vital part of learning. You won't get everything right from day one, and you may not discover your strengths and weaknesses until you're actually in practice. The key is to own up to mistakes quickly and, if possible, suggest your own solutions. Trainees are always supervised, so most missteps have an easy fix.

As you gain experience, these errors become less frequent. The most important thing is to learn from them. It's fine to make a mistake, just try not to make the same one twice.

What are your top tips for someone applying to this law firm?

  • Do your research - Attend online and in-person legal fairs. Platforms like Legal Cheek are great for virtual events, and universities often host their own.
  • Don't hesitate to ask questions - It's the best way to figure out what matters most to you in choosing a firm to train at. I always asked about pro bono work, secondment opportunities, and international outreach - my top priorities for a traineeship.
  • Don't be afraid to put yourself out there - Even if a firm is highly competitive or only takes on a few trainees, you could be one of them. Remember, you miss 100% of the shots that you don't take.

What's the best piece of work you've been involved in?

My aviation secondment has been a highlight. Working in-house, I have taken on more responsibility and even led some intense contract negotiations (and succeeded). Without being able to allude to any specifics, the aviation world throws up some truly unusual issues - sometimes I feel like I'm on a prank show, other times the deals we are working on are as dramatic as an episode of 'Suits'. The best part is figuring out how to solve these challenges, whether they're routine or completely unexpected.

Are you involved with any of the firm's networks?

Getting involved in networks has been a traineeship highlight. As members of the social committee, we organise events that bring colleagues together - a great way to unwind and meet people across the offices.

On the Pro Bono committee, we organise charity fundraisers and volunteer with our chosen charity (currently the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity), which is incredibly rewarding.

One of the most meaningful experiences has been working with the National Centre for Domestic Violence, alongside other Dentons lawyers, to support applicants seeking protection orders. This is challenging work but a powerful reminder of the positive work we can achieve as lawyers, and even as trainees.

There are plenty of opportunities for involvement outside the day-to-day legal work. These have not only broadened my network but shown me the difference we can make beyond our billable hours.

What makes this law firm a great place to work?

Dentons is a fantastic place to start your legal career, thanks to the wide variety of opportunities. Whether you're rotating through different departments, going on client secondment, getting involved in pro-bono work, or participating in social and charity activities, there is something for everyone.

You may discover a passion for an area of law that you hadn't considered - banking and real estate were never my favourites at university, but both turned out to be rewarding and interesting. Dentons provides a comprehensive legal education in a variety of commercial legal sectors.

What truly sets Dentons apart, however, is the people. The firm fosters a supportive, open and inclusive culture where I have felt genuine colleague support. Dentons' lawyers want other Dentons' lawyers to succeed, explore and grow. It's this positive environment that makes Dentons such a great place to train.

What are the most important qualities you need to be a lawyer?

  • Adaptability - the legal landscape is constantly evolving. Laws change, client needs shift and unexpected challenges arise. We need to learn how to respond effectively to new situations, handle a variety of cases and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
  • Curiosity - this mindset lets us dig deeper, ask the right questions and leads us to a better legal analysis and more thorough research.
  • Innovation - Dentons favours fresh thinking, whether through original strategies, technology or creative solutions for clients.
  • Commercial awareness - it's more than a buzzword. Understanding the business context of legal issues is crucial. We need to align with our clients' goals, understand their market and add more than just legal value.

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