Lucy Bicker, 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?
I have always wanted to work in a dynamic, diverse and challenging profession so law seemed like the perfect choice for me. I completed my law degree and diploma in legal practice at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen before commencing my traineeship in the Edinburgh office in August 2009. I chose CMS Cameron McKenna because it stands for what I believe in – client centred, teamwork and quality service orientated. The reputation of the firm at an international level, training prospects and access to a wide variety of clients were all aspects of CMS Cameron McKenna that were attractive to me.
How have you found the Edinburgh office?
Working in the Edinburgh office is the best of both worlds as you enjoy all the benefits of a small office by knowing everyone and being given more responsibility, while also having access to the facilities and expertise of an international law firm. The dynamic range of clients that CMS Cameron McKenna represents means that the work I have been involved in has been interesting, challenging and allowed me to gain experience in several practice areas, resulting in an all round traineeship. In addition, the view of Edinburgh Castle from my desk is pretty spectacular!
Why have you chosen to spend your next seat in Aberdeen?
Having studied in Aberdeen, I have always been interested to learn about the part the law plays in the oil and gas industry, and where better to learn about this than the oil capital of Europe.
What advice would you give to applicants?
The best advice I could give is, just be you. Our people are one of our most powerful tools, so it is important that we find all round individuals who can work well as part of a team but also strive individually. I would also recommend that you research the firm in order to know what we are looking for in candidates, as this will give you a better idea of whether CMS Cameron McKenna is the firm for you.
What makes a successful lawyer?
A successful lawyer is a team player who not only knows the law, but also knows how to apply the law to a client’s situation. Good communication and interpersonal skills are crucial in order to translate complex legal theories into advice, which is easy to understand. This will help to build good client relations and ensure that clients use CMS Cameron McKenna again.
What makes CMS Cameron McKenna stand out in the Scottish market?
CMS Cameron McKenna stands out in the Scottish market because it is a “one-stop shop” for all our clients’ legal and tax needs. The CMS alliance provides our clients with access to expertise in various jurisdictions, which is particularly important for our clients who operate in other countries as well as Scotland. Therefore, our clients can use CMS Cameron McKenna for all their legal and tax needs, instead of having to use different firms for different matters. This is what makes us stand out from other big Scottish firms.