This August, Jackson Boyd welcomed four new solicitors starting a traineeship with the firm. While each has followed a different route into the legal profession, they all share a common ambition: developing their legal skills, gaining practical experience and building successful careers within the law.
From internal promotions and second-year trainees to those stepping into a law firm environment for the first time, our newest trainees have already experienced a busy and rewarding start to life at Jackson Boyd.
Different Routes Into the Profession
One of the strengths of this year’s trainee intake is the variety of backgrounds and experiences each trainee brings to the firm.
For Ava Ferguson, the traineeship represents the next stage of a journey that began while still studying at university. Ava joined Jackson Boyd as a Paralegal during her fourth year of university, working across the Employer Liability, Public Liability and Medical Negligence teams. She continued working with the firm while completing both her undergraduate degree and Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.
Reflecting on her progression from Paralegal to Trainee Solicitor, Ava said:
“Working as a Paralegal gave me a great insight into life in a busy legal practice while helping me develop my legal knowledge, practical skills and confidence. I was delighted to be offered a traineeship with Jackson Boyd and the opportunity to continue my career with the firm.”
Meanwhile, Catrina Tierney joined Jackson Boyd as a second-year trainee within the Road Traffic Accident team after beginning her traineeship elsewhere. Having studied Scots and English Law at the University of Strathclyde and completed the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice, she was attracted to the firm’s supportive culture and reputation.
Catrina said:
“Since joining the firm, I have really enjoyed getting to know the team and learning from such experienced colleagues. The induction process provided a great introduction to the firm and allowed me to meet people from across different departments, helping me settle in quickly.”
For Alice Pearson, previous experience in Private Client work provided valuable insight into legal practice before beginning her traineeship with the Employment team. After studying at the University of Aberdeen and completing the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Glasgow, she has relished the opportunity to gain exposure to a wider range of legal work.
Brooke Keane also brings a unique perspective, having joined the Road Traffic Accident team after recently completing her Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Strathclyde. Despite gaining legal-related experience throughout her studies, Brooke had never worked within a law firm before the first day of her traineeship.
She explained:
“Starting a traineeship can be a daunting experience, particularly when stepping into a firm environment for the first time. However, from day one, everyone at Jackson Boyd has been incredibly welcoming, approachable and supportive, making the transition much easier than I expected.”
Together, these experiences demonstrate that there is no single route into the legal profession.
Jackson Boyd trainees. Left to right: Catrina Tierney, Brooke Keane, Ava Ferguson and Alice Pearson.
Learning From Day One
A common theme emerging from all four trainees was the value of the firm’s induction programme.
During their first two weeks, trainees met colleagues from across the business while developing a broader understanding of the work undertaken by each department. Sessions covered a wide variety of topics including court procedure, precognitions, time recording, helpline calls and advocacy exercises.
Alice reflected on the experience:
“The induction programme covered a variety of topics, including court procedure, precognitions, time recording, helpline calls and a mooting exercise. Alongside these sessions, we also spent time working within our teams, which allowed us to become involved in client calls, case summaries and day-to-day matters while getting to know my new colleagues.”
The induction programme also provides opportunities for trainees to understand the wider culture of the firm.
Alice added:
“The first few weeks also provided opportunities to meet people across the firm in a more informal setting. We were welcomed with a trainee lunch during our first week and were able to join colleagues on the firm’s summer outing to Loch Lomond at the end of our second week.”
These opportunities help ensure trainees quickly feel part of the firm while building relationships across different teams.
Taking On Traineeship Responsibility
One of the most exciting aspects of any traineeship is the opportunity to put academic learning into practice.
All four trainees have already begun gaining hands-on experience within their teams and taking on meaningful responsibilities.
For Ava, one of the most rewarding elements of the transition from Paralegal to Trainee has been taking increased ownership of cases:
“So far, I have particularly enjoyed having more of my own cases and seeing them through from start to finish. I value speaking with clients and helping them navigate what can often be an unfamiliar process.”
She added:
“Being able to support clients and make a difference to them throughout their case is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.”
Similarly, Brooke has already experienced the level of trust placed in trainees from an early stage.
“I am currently preparing for my first court appearance via Webex, something I did not anticipate being involved in so soon. The trust placed in trainees, combined with the support and guidance of experienced colleagues, has made this an excellent environment in which to learn and develop.”
The combination of meaningful responsibility and ongoing support is something all four trainees highlighted as a key feature of their early experiences with the firm.
Looking Ahead
Although they are only at the beginning of the next stage of their legal careers, each trainee is excited about the opportunities ahead.
Catrina is looking forward to further developing her litigation experience as she works towards qualification in 2027.
Ava is eager to continue building on the knowledge and skills she developed as a Paralegal while experiencing different areas of the firm.
Alice is looking forward to continuing to develop her skills across a variety of practice areas and gaining further experience throughout her traineeship.
For Brooke, the focus is on continuing to build her knowledge while embracing new challenges and opportunities as they arise.
At Jackson Boyd, we are committed to supporting the next generation of solicitors by providing practical experience, meaningful responsibility and a supportive environment in which trainees can thrive.
We are delighted to welcome Catrina, Ava, Alice and Brooke to the firm and wish them every success throughout their traineeships.
