That’s what partner — then chairman — Jennifer Young said about the promising students taking part in the ACCESS RGU, access to law initiative which the firm supported in an article published in the Buchan Observer around 10 years ago.
And that’s exactly what happened when trainee solicitor Hannah Baigrie — who took part in the programme — walked through the doors of our Aberdeen Johnstone House office as an intern in 2022.
Now set to qualify later this year with the firm, we caught up with the former Peterhead Academy pupil to find out what her journey with the firm’s been like.
What made you think about a career in law?
I’ve known for years I wanted to be a lawyer — thanks to regular debates with my grandad round the kitchen table. He always said I should go into law, and my nan was a legal secretary, so I grew up hearing stories about the profession. What really appealed to me was the idea of helping people through difficult situations.
My journey with Ledingham Chalmers started in school when I took part in the access to law initiative through ACCESS RGU. The programme gave me my first insight into the legal profession. I got to find out more about the skills required as well as what it’s like to moot in a mock courtroom. What topped it off was winning a prize at the end of the course as well as a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird.
I went on to study at the University of Aberdeen, but like a lot of students, my journey wasn’t entirely straightforward. I took a year out during the pandemic and worked at Foodstory, a café in Aberdeen where partners Jennifer Young and Sarah Stuart were regulars.
We got chatting, and they encouraged me to apply for a summer internship with the firm. That internship led to me working as a legal executive, which gave me great office and legal experience before I started my traineeship in 2023.
What experience did your traineeship give you?
During my traineeship, I worked across private client, commercial property, and litigation.
Most recently I’ve been with the litigation team, and it’s been hands-on and extremely varied from the start. I’ve worked on divorces, commercial contracts, and personal injury cases, and I’ve also helped with contentious executries, which is where disputes arise over someone’s estate after they’ve passed away.
I’ve had a lot of client contact, including early in my litigation seat during my traineeship when I was involved in an in-person court hearing, which was a great experience and relatively unusual these days. I’m also part of the rota as a local agent for civil cases, which usually involves dealing with repossessions — all valuable court experience that’s helped me develop my skills.
What’s the culture like at Ledingham Chalmers?
One thing that stands out about the firm is how much they invest in your development. The partners are approachable, and there’s a strong team spirit — people have your back.
A few people have followed the same route as me, from internship to qualification, and have stayed with the firm. I think that says a lot about the culture here.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I’m currently training for the Edinburgh marathon in May. I started with the Couch to 5K, and now I’m running around 25km a week as part of my training. I often run along the beach or head out with colleagues.
For me, there are a lot of similarities between long-distance running and the law. It’s about planning, organisation, persistence, and perseverance. Whether it’s finding a traineeship, working towards qualification, handling a case — or hitting the wall 20 miles in — you just have to keep going.
If you’re looking to start your traineeship in 2027, applications close soon for our intern programme (a crucial part of our trainee recruitment). This article gives you all the information you need, including how to apply.