We are pleased to highlight the FWA spotlight feature of Annie Miller.

Annie, an Aberdeen University graduate and Newly Qualified Solicitor, completed her traineeship with J.K. Cameron Solicitors in October 2024. She was delighted to accept an NQ position at Ness Gallagher Co., where she specialises in Family Law while also expanding her practice into Conveyancing and Private Client services.

Meet our next FWA Spotlight Candidate, Annie, who trained at J.K. Cameron Solicitors:

Did you enjoy your traineeship?

“I thoroughly enjoyed my traineeship. I was lucky and managed to get a traineeship which was focused on family law and that is what I was looking for. I worked in a small firm which meant I was part of a close-knit team which I found really beneficial as everyone had to help each other and it meant you formed strong bonds with your colleagues.”

Where did you train?

“I trained at J.K. Cameron Solicitors. They are a law firm based in city centre of Glasgow. They primarily do family law, with a focus on adoption and residence cases. They are an excellent firm with solicitors who are real experts in the area of adoption.”

What areas of law did you experience in your traineeship?

“I experienced mostly family law work during my traineeship. The firm does a lot of adoption work with local authorities in Scotland which was a really unique area to work within. The work also included a lot of residence and contact work. It was very interesting to experience these child centred aspects of the law.”

What was the most challenging part of your traineeship?

“The most challenging part of my traineeship was transferring the skills and knowledge from university into practice. It feels like you have studied so many areas of law whilst at university but the reality is you will come across new things every day and you have to constantly be willing to learn.”

What do you do now as an NQ?

“As an NQ I am continuing to focus on family law while expanding my practice into conveyancing and private client services.”

Why did you choose to specialise in this area?

“I chose to specialise in Family Law because it was an area I really enjoyed during my LLB. I was lucky and worked at a law firm in Aberdeen during some of my degree and I got to see family law in practice which just confirmed for me that it was the area I wanted to specialise in.”

How did you find the process of finding an NQ position?

“The process of finding an NQ position was daunting and I think that is natural. It is a big decision to consider leaving a firm you know and have trained with. I found speaking with Jade really helpful. She was able to help me realise what I was looking for and what was most important to me in my search. Her assistance made sure I have ended up at a position I am really enjoying.”

If you could give one interview tip for finding an NQ role, what would it be?

“My one interview tip would be to remember that firms are not looking to catch you out. Interviewers want you to be honest and the more relaxed and comfortable you are, the easier the questions and answers will flow.”

What are you enjoying most about your NQ role?

“What I have enjoyed most about my NQ role so far is the exposure to different aspects of law, being faced with new challenges and the interaction with a variety of clients. I have also really enjoyed getting to know my new colleagues, they have been very welcoming and have made the transition much easier.”

*All Annie’s views are her own unless otherwise stated, and do not represent the views of any firm/business, which she is affiliated with. The information provided in this article does not constitute as legal advice.

See our dedicated NQ Outlook™ Career Centre for more information on positions and career advice. https://www.frasiawright.com/nq-career-centre/

If you would like to discuss anything further or obtain a copy of our CV handbook, if you haven’t already, feel free to contact me, stephanie@frasiawright.com or jade@frasiawright.com.