Success Stories
NIGEL SIEVWRIGHT, PARTNER
I joined Tods Murray in 2001 and spent my traineeship in Commercial Property (Edinburgh), Banking (Edinburgh), Corporate and Banking (Glasgow) and then Commercial Property (Edinburgh) again.
I knew from those seats that I wanted to work in an area which had a commercial focus and I qualified into the Capital Projects Team in 2003. I joined the team at a very busy time, gaining some great experience straight away, and then worked on some significant projects over the next few years, becoming a Partner in 2010.
My experience at Tods Murray tells me that working in a great team makes a huge difference to what you learn and to your working life generally. Tods Murray is lucky to have a number of great teams in a variety of different areas and so a traineeship at Tods Murray is an excellent start to life as a solicitor.
KATIE BAKER, SOLICITOR
After taking two years out travelling following graduation, I began my Diploma at Edinburgh in 2006 and at the same time applied for a traineeship with Tods Murray. I was delighted when I received the call telling me that I had been successful in the application process and started my traineeship in the autumn of 2007. I spent time in various departments, working in capital projects, commercial property, corporate and employment. In 2009, I qualified as a solicitor into Tods Murray's growing employment team based in the Edinburgh office.
I work mainly on non-contentious and advisory employment work, advising employers and employees alike on various aspects of the employment relationship. The team have a variety of clients from large international construction companies and government bodies who require on-going employment advice and support, to individual employees looking for one-off pieces of advice.
The nature of employment law is such that the law never quite stands still and you have to ensure that you are one step ahead of any changes being implemented to properly advise your clients. I have always been encouraged to attend seminars, both external and internal, and conferences run by employment law groups to ensure that I am kept updated with the evolving state of the law in this area.
Tods is undoubtedly one of the more social and friendly firms to work for, activities range from dressing-up on themed treasure hunts in aid of the firm's charity of the year to your more standard game of football or netball. It is rare for a Friday afternoon to go by without an email from someone calling for post-work Friday drinks.
GILLIAN McGOLDRICK, SENIOR LEGAL EXECUTIVE
I joined Tods Murray as a Legal Executive in December 2006 within the Litigation Team in the Glasgow Office. I deal with a variety of cases and in particular specialise in Debt Recovery and Housing Law cases.
I am a staunch supporter of the Law Society Registered Paralegal Scheme which was launched in August 2010 and my commitment to the Scheme and the development of the role of a Paralegal has been encouraged and supported by the partners at Tods Murray and this has enabled me to become a member of the Law Society Standing Committee and assist with the decision making in relation to the future development of the Scheme.
In November 2010 I was promoted to Senior Legal Executive and look forward to the challenges my new role will bring.
JOYCE MORRISON, PA/HR ASSISTANT
I joined Tods Murray in January 1989 as a Secretary, and spent the next 20 years working within the Corporate team. During my time in Corporate I was given the opportunity to develop my role with the help of in-house training and was able to include Website Co-ordinator and Template Co-ordinator for the team within my duties, which involved attending Styles Committee meetings. In March 2009 I applied for my current post when it became vacant, as I was keen to further develop my career within the firm. As well as being Assistant to the Personnel & Development department, I am also PA to the Executive Partner and Knowledge & Training Partner, which means my role is varied and no two days are ever the same. Coming from a secretarial background, working in the P&D department has often proved to be a steep learning curve but I have enjoyed the challenge. I recently attended an “Effective HR Assistant” course which gave me a better understanding of the policies and procedures I come across as part of the P&D team. I particularly enjoy my involvement in the recruitment process for our Summer Law School and Traineeship programme.