February 29, 2024
Full article
Once my trainee induction had concluded, to my delight, I was introduced (reintroduced) to Andrew Fleetwood, the same Andrew Fleetwood who had conducted my trainee interview. Andrew works his own magic in the Projects team, but is also very much a part of the Real Estate team.
On day two I was introduced to Murray Stewart and put to work. My first task? To draft a lease, rent deposit agreement and a personal guarantee….easy right? I hurriedly asked Rob, the knowledgeable paralegal, on the mechanics on how things were done here. You see, the job at hand is do-able and the law is researchable, but the processes, procedures and ‘how we do things here’ are all unknowns to someone fresh out of University. That’s when I learned to pester the likes of Rob and Moyra, (the always smiling secretary). I have no issues asking the Partners for any help and advice as they are very personable (well in my experience), however when it comes to the procedural mechanics of a law firm, I ask for the help of seasoned veterans in that area – the paralegals and the secretaries.
I also regularly work with Gregor who is based in our Glasgow office. When he’s not entrusting me to diligently assist him in his workload, I am persistently ‘pestering’ him with many a procedural, commercial and legal question. And he always obliges.
The type of work I have been involved in has been a journey in itself – examining Sasine and Land Register titles, registering all types of deeds, researching and applying the law on foreshore, drafting a whole variety of documents, including servitudes, leases, offers, securities and variations, dealing with liquidations matters, meeting and engaging with clients, juggling the mail and meeting (and exceeding!) the demands of clients. The list goes on.
In addition to the day to day work, I’ve been very pleased to have been actively involved with business development. I have a particular interest in Islamic/ethical finance and I’ve really appreciated the opportunity to bounce ideas off my colleagues on how to develop this area. Stay tuned as more information will be readily available soon.
I have also attended a global ethical finance event hosted by the Royal Bank of Scotland at their headquarters in Edinburgh, which was a wonderful experience. It sounds quite fancy, and it actually was. Recently, I attended a CPD event, which was not so glamourous, but educational and fulfilling nevertheless. I enjoy going to these kind of events and meeting others and learning more about their experiences and work types.
Humour and imagination aside, the above is true in a positive sense. Don’t get me wrong, at times it can be tough, and the answer may not be visible at first. With the helpful nature and enthusiasm of your colleagues however, every task gets done timeously and with diligence. My eyes are always open to the details and intricacies of agreements. My experience has been that of fitting into a very intelligent, hardworking and driven group of engaging people. Confidence and hard work are encouraged, and you sit next to, learn from, and are given the independence and freedom of thought by individuals highly established in their fields. Welcome to Gilson Gray LLP.
The information and opinions contained in this blog are for information only. They are not intended to constitute advice and should not be relied upon or considered as a replacement for advice. Before acting on any of the information contained in this blog, please seek specific advice from Gilson Gray.
