Finding purpose in personal injury law - a reflection on my path from trainee to associate

Starting a legal traineeship can be daunting for anyone, but when I began my journey at Digby Brown Solicitors, I knew I was in the right place.

As a trainee, I was given the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced and respected professionals in the field, and I quickly gained the skills and knowledge I needed to succeed.

Now, as an Associate at the firm, I look back on my journey with gratitude and am proud to share my story with others who may be considering a career in law.

Discovering my passion for personal injury law

When I first went to university to study law, I knew that I wanted to work as a Solicitor, but I hadn’t thought about what I wanted to specialise in. All I knew was that I wanted to work in a role where I was able to make a personal impact in people’s lives and aid those needing help.

I remember first becoming aware of Digby Brown at a Law Fair at University where one of the HR managers spoke warmly about the work that Digby Brown do and their specialism in pursuing personal injury claims.

While I enjoyed studying delict at university, I hadn’t appreciated that this was a career path available to me until speaking to Digby Brown that day.

When it came to applying for a traineeship, I prioritised my application to Digby Brown and was delighted when I was offered a traineeship in, what was at the time, their new Aberdeen Office.

Personal growth and professional development

I joined Digby Brown in 2015 as a Paralegal after finishing my Diploma in Professional Legal Practice. I remember being given an incredibly warm welcome - everyone wanted me to succeed and become a valued member of the team. After a few months, I then began my traineeship.

I had the opportunity to work with a team of excellent lawyers and supervisors and was fortunate to be given constructive feedback and guidance throughout my traineeship.

I predominantly worked on road traffic accidents with some occupier’s liability and public liability cases. As a trainee you’re encouraged to take responsibility for your own case holding and by the end of my traineeship I’d gained the confidence to progress a case from the beginning through to settlement.

As a young trainee that was a major step in my learning – and was a strong foundational skill for the work I still do today.

I was able to assist my colleagues with their larger cases while developing my own skills and knowledge and was trusted with opportunities such as:

• Being involved in the litigation process
• Drafting court documents
• Attending consultations with Junior and Senior Counsel.

I also appeared in various Sheriff Courts in my own cases and those of my colleagues around the North East of Scotland. While this was an incredibly daunting experience initially, it became incredibly rewarding and an excellent learning opportunity.

I found it’s been moments where I felt slightly out of my comfort zone that turned into my most memorable learning experiences.

Working in a new office I was able to be part of its growth and development, attending networking events, local CPD events and building connections and relationships with local solicitors and other professionals.

Reflections on my journey to Associate

I was promoted to Associate in 2023 and can confidently say I continue to use the skills that I learned during my traineeship in my role today.

I’ve enjoyed being able to provide the junior members of the team with similar opportunities that I had at their stage in my career.

My colleagues have assisted with:

• Taking statements from witnesses
• Drafting court documents
• Carrying out legal research.

While I continue to work on a wide variety of cases, my case holding has developed and I spend a lot of time working as part of the specialist Oil, Gas and Offshore team.

Though the nature and complexity of the work may have developed, the satisfaction of assisting a client to obtain an award of compensation, whether it’s a couple of hundred pounds or a significant seven figure sum, continues to be a strong motivator and the most rewarding aspect of the job for me.

I’m still able to provide people with access to justice and support in what can be a stressful and challenging time in their life, and that’s what matters.

A career with Digby Brown - empowering clients and impacting lives

Working in personal injury law provides a unique and rewarding opportunity to make a significant difference in people's lives. By helping people to obtain the compensation they deserve, you can make a tangible difference in their lives and help them to move forward after a difficult time.

So for anyone considering whether they should apply for a traineeship with Digby Brown Solicitors, I encourage you to put in your application and go for it.

Rather than working in ‘seats’, you’ll have a unique opportunity to develop a skill set in personal injury. The caseload will be varied and diverse, and you’ll have opportunities to assist other solicitors and fee earners with their cases.

There is a real focus placed on your development and you’ll have the opportunity to work in a friendly and positive environment for a firm which actively cares about your physical and mental wellbeing and your work life balance.

Learn more about the 2025 Graduate Law Traineeship - applications close on 24th July 2023.

Paul Thomson

Associate, Aberdeen