I quickly discovered that a legal career in Banking and Finance was the right choice for me. I enjoyed the daily tasks and working with the Aberdeen team so much that I ended up spending two seats of my traineeship there. It was a no-brainer for me – an opportunity to be part of an excellent, nurturing team and to undertake exciting market-leading work!

If you had asked me at university what a legal career in banking would entail, I wouldn't have had a clue! After some hands-on experience, I'd summarise it as acting for either lenders or borrowers to ensure that, whichever side you sit on, you get the best deal for your client. It's a fantastic career option, given the interesting breadth of work you are exposed to and the skills that you build.

Why Banking and Finance?

I have a genuine interest in the work I do. At university, I was always really interested in commercial and property law related modules and knew that I wanted to, somehow, have a career that combined these topics. When I started my second seat in Aberdeen, I was surprised by the interaction banking law has with other areas in the legal sector. For example, one day you might work with commercial property colleagues on a real estate finance deal, and the next day with the corporate team to assist their client with the purchase of another company, to help clients achieve their commercial goals.

I also really like how fast-paced, and results orientated is the practice area can be. I've always been results driven and enjoyed team based sports, as I relish the thrill of overcoming challenges as part of a team. Banking lawyers usually take on the role of project managing for the client and liaise with various, relevant teams to bring a deal to completion. Often, because transactions have tight deadlines, you're left with a tremendous feeling of satisfaction in being able to pull everything together to achieve what's needed.

Typical tasks for an NQ

As a Banking & Finance NQ, there are a wide range of tasks you will be involved with, most of which you will be given sole responsibility for. Tasks include:

  • drafting corporate approval documents;
  • drafting security or guarantee documentation;
  • advising lenders and borrowers on various areas of the law; and
  • project managing completion deliverables.

Why Brodies?

You'll gain exposure to different types of work, plus the team is full of market-leading professionals who are great mentors and can support your progression. The firm is incredibly transparent in expressing what is expected of its NQs and has a detailed career progression path that sets out a clear journey from NQ to partner, if you wish to pursue that route.

There are also lots of opportunities to get involved in various initiatives such fundraising, organising social events or having a voice on important topics. Brodies has six colleague networks and I'm a member of the one for Younger Colleagues; it's a great support network and opportunity to meet colleagues.

Top tips

Last but not least, my top tips for applying for an NQ role:

  • be yourself – don't present yourself as something you're not. The firm is focused on values and interested in you as a person, so you should let your natural personality shine through.
  • do your research. Brodies' values are central to the work we do - and you should evidence these throughout your application. Also note any key updates about the firm, including the type of work we're doing and what movements in the market are relevant to us.

If you are interested in applying for an NQ role in banking and would like some more information, feel free to contact me by email or drop me a message on LinkedIn.

Applications for our NQ roles are live - apply now!