I studied Law and Business at Trinity College Dublin.  While in college I applied to McCann FitzGerald for a summer internship.  The internship was a great exposure to the workings of a corporate law firm, with information sessions from different departments as well as time spent working on individual tasks and group projects.  As a trainee currently, I recognise that these are also important skills for a trainee.  I was assigned to the defamation and white-collar crime team. It was fascinating to listen to team discussions, see how different cases operate and observe the team analysing the issues.  I had an interview at the end of my internship and I was offered a training contract.

After college I joined the firm’s Knowledge Team as a  Paralegal while completing my FE1s.  I enjoyed this work and it allowed me to engage with colleagues across the whole firm and make friends with other people who would go on to join as trainees with me.

I began my traineeship in March 2024 and I am currently in my first seat in litigation. The training provided by McCann FitzGerald is exceptional.  Trainees receive general and department-specific training and we are continuously learning through weekly lectures, trainee workshops and monthly training lunches.  The training, which is delivered by our experienced colleagues and outside experts, enhances our legal knowledge as well as general professional skills.  As a trainee in McCann FitzGerald, you can be certain that you will be supported and encouraged.  Not only do the partners care about your training but they are also interested in your life and your career.  As a trainee this really helps to feel integrated into my team and the wider firm.

While it is such a cliché, the people really are what make McCann FitzGerald unique. There is no doubt that everyone takes their work very seriously and focuses on delivering the very best for clients.  At the same time, my colleagues are a diverse and fun bunch of people. There is always a buzz in the office, and we all love to have a chat over lunch or a laugh over a coffee. With my fellow trainees, it is great to know that there is always someone to eat lunch with or help me out when needed.  All the trainees agree that McCann FitzGerald is a great fit for them, even though we are all different. This just shows that there is such a variety of people in the firm and when working together we all embody the same values.

The firm facilitates lots of opportunities to get involved. For example, there is FLAC pro-bono work, the Calcutta Run, the football league, and the annual Christmas carol service sung by the choir. 

My advice to anyone applying for the internship or traineeship is to be yourself and show why you will be a great solicitor for McCann FitzGerald.  It is also important to make sure you that you demonstrate that you are willing to learn and be a sound advisor to the clients.  In an interview, there is no better advice than to just be yourself and show the interviewer that you are someone that everyone can get along with and work alongside.  Ultimately, this is the most important part.