The second year trainee was working (and snowboarding) in the town in British Columbia, when he took part in a Skype call to discuss the two-week summer position.
He says that flexibility, instead of him having to physically attend, was an early and positive indication of the firm’s approach.
With a short time left to apply for our summer 2020 internship/2021 traineeship, we caught up with Scott to find out more about his time with the firm, so far.
What do you think makes Ledingham Chalmers different?
Aside from the legal side of things, which you’d expect, there’s always lots going on.
All trainees sit on the firm’s social committee, for example. We organise events, which have included gin tasting and BBQs, every couple of months and it’s a great way to meet and get to know trainees, as well as colleagues from across the firm.
And from time to time we’ve even organised five-a-side football games against other law firms, which is great for a bit of friendly competition!
What was your first year traineeship like?
I’ve never felt that I couldn’t ask a question: everyone is happy to help out. That was important for me because I’d taken a couple of years out after graduating, so the office environment itself was a brand new experience.
For each seat you have a mentor. I’ve been in the commercial, litigation and corporate teams, and am back with the litigation team at the moment. And while each team has its own way of working, what’s been the same across the board is the ability to have a lot of client contact and gain valuable experience that way.
Another plus is that all your training is held in-house, so there’s no need to find external courses, although you’re able to go along to those too.
