Isla Stewart, trainee, talks about her time in training in CMS Cameron McKenna’s Edinburgh office, and the upcoming move to Aberdeen.
Why did you choose CMS Cameron McKenna? What is your background?
I have always been interested in language and, of course, a good argument. I enjoy the way that a discussion can challenge your viewpoint and broaden your perspective, therefore law seemed like a natural choice. I read law at Edinburgh University and met representatives of CMS Cameron McKenna when they sponsored our Burns’ Supper one year. All the representatives spoke with such enthusiasm about the firm that I knew I had to apply. I also have a keen interest in Energy and after some research I found that CMS Cameron McKenna is one of the leading law firms in this field. Thankfully the firm decided to take me on, so here I am today.
How have you found the Edinburgh office? What is the work like?
The Edinburgh office offers the best of both worlds: a small intimate working environment where you know everyone, but one also set in the significantly larger European matrix that is CMS Cameron McKenna, and increasingly the CMS network. I’ve found the training and work to be very fluid in that, although you work as part of one department you find yourself becoming involved in other projects on a day to day basis.
Why have you chosen to spend your next seat in Aberdeen?
As mentioned previously I applied to CMS Cameron McKenna due to its excellent reputation within the energy sector. Aberdeen is renowned for its oil and gas industry, therefore where could be better to be involved in the industry than its hub. Being offered one of the seats in Aberdeen is fantastic, as energy seats are very popular within the firm, and I am grateful to be receiving this opportunity.
What advice would you give to applicants?
My advice is simply: to be yourself. Our firm is genuinely interested in finding an individual that fits well within our teams, especially in Scotland where the offices are much smaller. You will enjoy and benefit from your traineeship much more if you are in an office where you have good relations with your co-workers.
What makes a successful lawyer?
Good communication and interpersonal skills. Being a lawyer is much more than knowing the law. Developing a relationship and trust with the client is extremely important. You learn how to communicate with them to extract the information that you need to provide an exceptional service to them. And, if you can provide an exceptional service, then clients will return, thus improving your relationship further. It is the recognition and execution of this idea that makes a successful lawyer.
What makes CMS Cameron McKenna stand out in the Scottish market?
Despite the current economic conditions, Edinburgh remains a key financial centre for Europe, and thus there are clients and work opportunities way beyond the simple size of the city. Having an offering that is “Distinctly European” goes down very well in Edinburgh, as clients themselves regularly do business across continental Europe and are surprised and reassured to find our extensive European footprint. In Scotland itself, the firm is seen as a quality legal and tax provider that does not have any specific attitude mentality or “baggage” that might be seen to be the case with some big Scottish firms. To that extent, we benefit from having outsider origins, and our Scottish credentials (experience, people and clients) demonstrate we are as fully Scottish as we are wider-UK. In fact, with Scotland trying to play a greater role on the European stage politically and economically, we are already truly distinctively European.