2025
EXPERIENCE SECTION
No word limits.
Hobbies and interests
My main hobby is fitness, a pursuit that requires a high level of discipline. Through this commitment, I have lost 16kg since October 2024 and have progressed to training in both bodybuilding and MMA. Another notable fitness achievement of mine is competing in a charity boxing match, for which I completed an 8-week training camp and personally raised over £250 for Endometriosis UK.
I apply the same dedication to my intellectual interests. I have a keen interest in capital markets, and I actively manage my own investment portfolio. This fascination with complex systems has naturally led me to the intersection of finance and technology, an interest I explored by completing Harvard's 'Introduction to Computer Science for Lawyers'. I am now channelling this passion directly into my dissertation, which critically analyses the classification of digital assets and cryptocurrencies within Scots property law.
Beyond these goals, I am committed to contributing to my community. I lead the [UNIVERSITIES LAW PROJECT EDUCATION OUTREACH SECTOR], creating resources for aspiring law students, and volunteer with the University’s Buddy program to help new students integrate into university life. When I have downtime, I enjoy gaming, which allows me to relax while engaging with one of the most innovative industries today. I also enjoy reading, with favourites ranging from 'Misbehaving' by Richard Thaler to 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius.
Skills, training or experience gained
I have actively sought to understand the legal profession through shadowing placements. My time at CMS provided me with direct insight into the energy sector and the operations of a large international firm, while shadowing at [LOCAL HIGH-STREET LAW FIRM] allowed me to observe private client and high-street matters firsthand. This has given me a well-rounded understanding of the work a full-service firm undertakes.
My internship at [OIL & GAS SERVICE COMPANY] has allowed me to practically apply the legal principles I have learned. I have supplemented my work by completing formal in-house training courses in Commercial Contracting and Negotiations. This provided the framework that I now apply daily while leading a project to streamline the company's contracting process using [CLM SOFTWARE PROVIDER] CLM software, reducing business risk.
As Project Lead for the [EDUCATION OUTREACH SECTOR] at the [UNIVERSITIES LAW PROJECT], my role is a practical project management position. I am responsible for the entire lifecycle of our initiatives, from concept to delivery. This involves delegating tasks to a team of six, managing timelines, and coordinating with external legal professionals, which has honed my ability to lead, motivate, and ensure a high-quality outcome.
During my internship at [LOCAL CHARITY], I used Microsoft Excel to perform quantitative analysis on survey data. I then translated this data into a set of actionable, data-driven recommendations for the management team to inform their strategic planning. This taught me the valuable skill of using empirical evidence to build a clear commercial case for action.
QUESTIONS SECTION
No word limits, but was prefaced with: Please write a short paragraph answering each of the following three questions.
Why do you want to be a solicitor?
My ambition to become a solicitor stems from a fascination with legal frameworks, first sparked by the ‘Crime and the Law’ section of my National 5 Modern Studies course. I then took the following years in secondary school, culminating in my advanced dissertation on the economic impact of white-collar crime. At university, this passion was solidified by the intellectual challenge of solving complex problems, a skill I believe is essential to serving people, the clients who trust solicitors to navigate legal issues. Ultimately, the dynamic nature of law is a significant draw, as it allows me to engage with my interests in finance, technology, and energy. This aligns with my desire for a career with a clear purpose, to apply my analytical mindset and dedication to providing the high-quality, trusted advice that clients require, a purpose I know is central to Blackadders’ vision.
Why do you want to work at Blackadders LLP?
My desire to work for Blackadders is driven by its growth strategy, alignment with my interests, and its people-first values. I am drawn to the firm's "5 by 25" growth strategy. I want to build my career in an ambitious environment and contribute to one of the top five independent firms in Scotland. My academic focus on Energy, Finance, and Property law, combined with the commercial experience gained during my current internship at [OIL & GAS SERVICE COMPANY], has given me a foundation in the practice areas that will fuel that growth. Furthermore, my interest in the video games industry matches Blackadders' reputation as having Scotland's leading legal team in this sector. I actively follow industry developments, such as the "Stop Killing Games” initiative, which has been backed by one of the vice presidents of the European Parliament, potentially leading to new regulations that will directly impact Blackadders’ clients. This is an evolving legal landscape I would like to contribute to.
I am also impressed by the firm's investment in technology, being Shortlisted for Legal Technology & Support Team of the Year at the Scottish Legal Awards 2025. This aligns with my own skills, which I have developed during my internship at [OIL & GAS SERVICE COMPANY], where I am leading a project using [CLM SOFTWARE], a contract lifecycle management software to create automated workflows, streamlining the commercial contracting process with AI. This hands-on experience in implementing legal tech solutions means I am equipped to contribute to a firm that values innovation and use of legal technology
Finally, I see an alignment with the "people-first" culture at Blackadders, which is demonstrated through meaningful action. I was impressed to read about the firm's 2025 partnership with Maggie's Centres. The fact that Blackadders provide a free Will-writing service for cancer patients and their families is an example of using legal skills to support vulnerable people. This resonates directly with my work as a Project Lead for the [UNIVERSITIES LAW PROJECT EDUCATION OUTREACH SECTOR], where I lead a team dedicated to creating accessible resources about legal careers to secondary school students from deprived areas. This shared commitment to using professional skills for community benefit convinces me that Blackadders is an ideal place for me to launch my legal career.
What skills and qualities will you bring to the Firm?
One of the main qualities I will bring to Blackadders is my leadership and teamwork, which are essential for working with different teams and clients as a trainee. As a project-lead [UNIVERSITIES LAW PROJECT EDUCATION OUTREACH SECTOR], I have led a six-member team of student volunteers. Our goal is to create accessible, easy-to-understand resources for secondary school pupils interested in legal careers. My duties involve delegating tasks, managing timelines, and organising meetings. I am currently coordinating interviews for our [REDACTED] initiative which produces interview-based articles offering insight into the various roles within the legal sector. This experience has required me to motivate a team towards a shared goal, create a collaborative, and communicate a clear vision. I have also had to adapt to different working styles to ensure a high-quality outcome. I believe these abilities are transferable to a traineeship at Blackadders. Whether working as part of a large team on a complex corporate transaction or supporting colleagues on a pro bono case, success relies on teamwork. I am confident I can integrate into your teams, support my colleagues, and contribute to the culture that drives the firm.
Another quality bring is adaptability, particularly in communication. As an Outdoor Adventure/General Counsellor at [US SUMMER CAMP], I was responsible for the safety and engagement of over 40 children, while teaching archery. I also collaborated in a high-pressure team environment with fellow counsellors from international backgrounds at a climbing wall. This role taught me to adapt my communication style, from reassuring a nervous child on a climbing wall to clearly coordinating safety procedures with my colleagues, and teaching concepts to an audience of varying experience . It honed my ability to listen actively, and show empathy in a dynamic environment. At a firm like Blackadders, which serves a wide variety of clients from private individuals to major businesses, the ability to adapt communication styles is important. My experience has prepared me to communicate professionally with both clients and team members, upholding the high standards of client care.
Finally, I bring a high level of organisation, ensuring I can manage the workload effectively. During university, I have successfully completed an 8-week charity boxing camp, studied computer science outside of university, and lost over 14kg; all while working part-time, volunteering at the [UNIVERSITY LAW PROJECT], and maintaining strong academic performance. This has been possible through forward-planning, prioritisation, and time management. It has taught me how to remain focused under pressure and consistently meet deadlines across multiple, varied commitments without sacrificing the quality of my work. I understand that a traineeship at a large firm involves managing multiple tasks for different partners simultaneously. My ability to organise myself and deliver consistently gives me confidence that I can handle the pressures of the role, manage my time, and produce the high-quality work that will be expected of me at Blackadders.
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