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Six talented young lawyers officially begin work this week (September 1) as qualified lawyers with one of Aberdeen`s leading commercial law firms following the successful completion of their traineeships with the firm.
The appointment of all the firm`s former trainees is in contrast to what has been happening in Scotland since the onset of the recession, which has seen the number of newly qualified positions within the legal profession drop significantly.
The six are: Richard Strachan and Ralph McIntosh who will be joining the firm`s corporate department; Stacey Walker who joins oil and gas; Jennifer Tack and Sara Squire who will join the firm`s award-winning employment law team; and Samantha Chinn who will take up her position in the commercial property team.
All six of the new lawyers attended university in Aberdeen and have worked as trainees at Paull & Williamsons for the past two years.
Gordon Buchan, managing partner, said: `We are pleased, firstly, to see all of our second-year trainees perform so well during their period of training and, secondly, to be able to increase the number of qualified lawyers at the firm to pre-recession levels. Although the numbers working in some practice areas are lower, we are pleased that other areas which we identified as having the potential to grow have indeed done so – particularly oil and gas, employment and health and safety.`
The firm took on six trainees in 2009 and is due to welcome another five trainees next week.
NEW INTAKE: From left, Ralph McIntosh, Samantha Chinn, Sara Squire, Jennifer Tack, Stacey Walker, Richard Strachan.
Katie Meanley, manager, Registrar`s Department, the Law Society of Scotland, said: `We are delighted to hear about Paull & Williamsons retaining their trainees and being able to offer them permanent positions. The Society will publish a report at the end of the year which will give an overall picture of the trainee market in Scotland and that will help us plan the support we can offer solicitors at all stages of their careers, including trainees. This includes low-cost and free continuing professional development training for new lawyers, such as the upcoming career management event at Paull & Williamsons` offices at Union Plaza, on September 16.`
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