Addleshaw Goddard Trainee Profiles
Callum Campbell
Trainee Solicitor
Manchester Metropolitan University
LLB Hons (Law) – First Class Honours (2017-2020); LLM in Legal Practice (Integrated LLM/LPC) – Distinction
What is your role, and when did you join the firm?
I joined AG in September 2021. I joined the firm as a paralegal working in the Transactional Services Team (TST). I worked as a paralegal for 2 years and a senior paralegal for 1 year. I was solely aligned to working with the Manchester Corporate Team for the majority of this time. During my time as a paralegal, I spent 11 months on secondment at Equistone Partners Europe Limited, a Private Equity firm whose head office is in London. I worked with their in-house legal and compliance team, as well as various investment directors.
I then started my training contract in September 2024. I am now going into my third trainee seat in the Corporate team (previous seats in Transactional Real Estate and Tax & Structuring).
What inspired you to apply to this law firm?
One of the main reasons I applied to work at AG was because of the comprehensive and wide-ranging areas / sectors that the firm specialises in. AG also has a great reputation as one of the leading law firms in the Northwest, with some really exciting and high-profile clients. This really attracted me to the firm because I love Manchester and grew up here, I wanted to work alongside and learn from the best lawyers in my city.
What does a typical day look like?
Typically, I will commute into the office at around 8am (arriving at 8:45 am) and grab some breakfast. I will then log on at 9 am and check through my emails and to-do list. As a trainee your days will vary depending on the team you are in and your current workload. It has been important for me to take on a variety of work during my trainee seats. I believe this then allows me to come away from the 6 months and reflect on the seat with a well-rounded view on the practice area and whether it is somewhere I could potentially see myself qualifying. During my time most recently in Tax & Structuring, day-to-day I will work on a number of different matters, I would be in and out of calls with partners / managing associates and associates discussing different instructions. I will usually try to leave the office and commute home before 6pm.
What are your working hours like?
Again, this is very much team dependant. Most recently in the Tax & Structuring team I often work between 9am – 6pm but there are of course times when I need to be around later and log back on after grabbing some food or playing football in the evenings.
What is the single most important thing you have learned so far as a trainee?
The importance of asking questions at the outset when taking on new instructions or working on something for the first time. It is critical to get as much as possible from the initial conversations with the respective fee earner, this way you can develop an appropriate level of background context when starting work on a new workstream or for a new client.
What are your top tips for someone applying to this law firm?
Read about AG, our areas of expertise and key clients. It is also worth understanding our initiatives outside of fee earning. Think about why you think AG is the right place for you and why you believe this is where you can take the next step in your legal career. If you are applying to the firm then be prepared to display how you are ready to work in this fast-paced and exciting environment.
What’s the best piece of work you’ve been involved in?
I have led on the verification workstream of two separate IPOs for clients of the Manchester Corporate team. The first for Lad Bible at the end of 2021 and the second for Applied Nutrition during 2024.
I have also worked on some really interesting and exciting matters during my time in the real estate and tax teams.
What are the most important qualities you need to be a lawyer?
Hardworking, analytical, organised and approachable.
Zoe Anderson
Trainee Solicitor
University of Aberdeen
LLB with Honours (2023); Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (2024)
What is your role, and when did you join the firm?
I am a Trainee Solicitor, and I joined the firm in September 2024.
What inspired you to apply to this law firm?
After completing the summer placement, my interest in AG was solidified. I got to see first-hand, the firm practicing what they preach - having an extensive portfolio of clients, delivering a range of quality work, implementing, and developing top legal technologies in works carried out and fostering a culture that really shines.
What does a typical work day look like?
Typically, I'll first put together my to do list, organising and making sure I have a note of what's happening in each matter I am involved with. Trainee tasks vary from seat to seat but generally, I could be doing things such as, legal research, liaising with clients to provide an update on their matter, drafting advice notes and letters, and managing documents on file.
What are your working hours like?
Depends what is happening on matters I am involved in. Typically, 9-5ish, if busy and things are urgent on matters, then can be late, but this would be rare.
What is the single most important thing you have learned so far as a trainee?
Be engaged and show initiative.
What are your top tips for someone applying to this law firm?
Be yourself - highlight any unique hobbies or interests in your applications! Do your research and make the most of your employability resources at Uni - do the mock interviews and get them to look over your application.
What’s the best piece of work you’ve been involved in?
I am currently in my second seat. In both my first and second seat, I have been able to be involved large, cross-office matters. In these matters, I felt supported, regardless of where my team was based. I was able to have a more hands on role in a recent large and complicated matter, which allowed me develop my skills and knowledge greatly.
What makes this law firm a great place to work?
The people who work there and their support, the work you get to be involved in, the quality of training, and opportunities available to you.
What are the most important qualities you need to be a lawyer?
Initiative, attention to detail, communication, organisation, resilience, adaptability.
Makki Tahir
Trainee Solicitor
University of the West of Scotland, University of Glasgow and University of Strathclyde
BA Honours in Law (2021), Graduate Entry LLB (2023) & Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (2024)
What is your role, and when did you join the firm?
I am a Trainee Solicitor, and I joined the firm in August 2024.
What inspired you to apply to this law firm?
I saw that the firm had a strong litigation presence within Scotland and dealt with Islamic Finance matters.
What does a typical work day look like?
There is no typical day, which is one of the reasons I love coming into work! I arrive at the office just before 9:00 AM and often have a task from the previous day or week waiting for me due to how work is allocated in my current team. I catch up with colleagues as we all log in and settle for the day. I have my breakfast, usually Weetabix, at around 10:00 AM while sitting at my desk. At around 1:00 PM, weather permitting, I go on a short walk around Glasgow city centre with some colleagues to freshen up. I then have my lunch and return to my desk to carry on with my day. I usually have a fruit break at around 3:30 PM and then continue working until around 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM.
What are your working hours like?
I would say most days are around 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM/6:00 PM.
What is the single most important think you have learned so far as a trainee?
Write down instructions and repeat them back to ensure clarity!
What are your top tips for someone applying to this law firm?
Apply! It is an excellent place to work, and I cannot give the firm and its people enough credit for the quality of training I have received so far.
Have someone else review your application to ensure it makes sense and to check for any grammar errors.
Be yourself! AG values individuals who bring their authentic selves to work, so stay true to who you are.
What’s the best piece of work you’ve been involved in?
I was able to manage the purchase of a commercial property during my second month in the Transactional Real Estate team. This gave me the opportunity to liaise directly with another firm's partners and chair an in-person meeting with our clients. The transaction was even reported in a local newspaper, and it remains one of my proudest achievements.
Are you involved with any of the Firm’s networks?
I am involved in AG Embrace and the firm's Muslim Network. AG Embrace is the firm's ethnic diversity network, which hosts events such as the South Asian Heritage Month celebration and other initiatives promoting ethnic diversity. The AG Muslim Network in Scotland is steadily growing with support from colleagues of different faiths. Recently, we hosted a Ramadan event attended by Sheikh Amin Buxton of Edinburgh Central Mosque and organised a special dinner to celebrate Eid-Al-Adha.
What makes this law firm a great place to work?
The people! Everyone at AG is friendly and welcoming. I know that when I go into the office, I will be surrounded by colleagues who support me, uplift me, and make me enjoy coming to work.
What are the most important qualities you need to be a lawyer?
Enthusiasm, curiosity, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to take on board feedback. Enthusiasm is key because showing a keen interest in something helps you understand it better and enjoy it more. Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it turns a good lawyer into a great one! Being curious about the "why" behind a piece of work is essential to understanding its commercial nature, which is how you develop "commercial awareness." A keen eye for detail is crucial in both your application to AG and the work you do, as it ensures polished drafts and helps you spot errors more easily. The ability to take on board feedback is valuable at all levels of the legal profession. We are constantly receiving feedback from supervisors, senior colleagues, peers, and clients, and using this feedback to improve our efficiency and effectiveness is vital for success in our roles.
Aysegul Arkac
Trainee Solicitor
Middle East Technical University (Turkey) & Metropolitan University
Economics (2008), GDL (2021) & LPC (2022)
What is your role and when did you join the firm?
Trainee Solicitor. I joined the firm in March 2025.
What inspired you to apply to this law firm?
I was drawn to Addleshaw Goddard’s reputation for delivering high-quality legal advice with a genuinely commercial approach. During my research and at open days, I was struck by the collaborative culture and the emphasis on developing lawyers who can think strategically about clients’ business needs. The firm’s sector-focused approach and impressive client roster convinced me this was the right environment to grow my legal career. I was also impressed by how supportive and approachable the associates were, creating an environment where I immediately felt like a valued part of the team. That sense of belonging, combined with the opportunity to work alongside talented lawyers who are genuinely invested in each other’s success, reinforced my belief that Addleshaw Goddard is where I can thrive both professionally and personally.
What does a typical work day look like?
A typical day at Addleshaw Goddard as a trainee solicitor in the Structured Finance department is varied and shaped by the tasks assigned by my supervisor and the team’s priorities. I usually start around 8:45 or 9 am by checking emails and prioritising my workload. This could involve drafting documents, conducting legal research, preparing for client calls or assisting on live transactions and deals.
Mornings and afternoons often include attending team meetings and liaising with colleagues across different departments and offices. Flexibility is key as I regularly adapt my tasks to meet deadlines and shifting priorities. Regular check-ins with my supervisor help me stay on track and learn from feedback which supports my continuous development.
Throughout the day, I collaborate closely with senior fee earners and gaining valuable insight into both the legal work and client relationships.
What are your working hours like?
Working hours vary depending on the workload and stage of a matter. Generally, I work standard office hours, but deadlines or urgent client needs can extend the day. The firm is supportive of work–life balance, and teams are good at recognising when long hours have been put in.
What is the single most important thing your have learned so far as a trainee?
The importance of asking questions early has been invaluable. Being proactive in seeking clarification not only avoids mistakes but also shows engagement and a willingness to learn. I’ve also learned how crucial attention to detail is — whether reviewing documents, drafting clauses, or preparing materials. Every task needs to be accurate, well-structured and tailored so that clients can understand the advice and see its practical value.
What are your top tips for someone applying to this law firm?
Research Addleshaw Goddard’s key sectors — such as real estate, financial services, retail & consumer and energy — and be ready to discuss recent matters or deals the firm has been involved in.
Show you understand AG’s commercial approach including its focus on building long-term client relationships and delivering practical, business-focused solutions.
Use clear, specific examples to demonstrate skills such as teamwork, resilience and problem-solving, ideally in contexts that mirror AG’s collaborative and cross-office work.
Demonstrate that you value collaboration — AG’s culture thrives on it.
Be aware of the firm’s recent growth including opening new offices in locations such as Germany, France, Poland and Abu Dhabi, UAE (Middle East) and its strategy of expanding internationally to meet client demand.
Highlight your appreciation for the firm’s inclusive and supportive culture and give examples of when you have worked effectively as part of a diverse team to achieve a common goal.
What’s the best piece of work you’ve been involved in?
One highlight was assisting on a high-value corporate transaction involving a CLN investment for a major client. I was responsible for drafting and arranging the execution of finance documents, including the ICS accession undertakings. This involved liaising with investors, the client and the relevant bank, as well as coordinating with multiple stakeholders to ensure all documentation was finalised accurately and on time. I also provided regular updates to all parties helping the transaction progress smoothly from negotiation through to completion. Seeing the matter successfully close was extremely rewarding.
Are you involved with any of the Firm’s networks?
I am actively involved in the Springfield Legal Advice Centre project which provides pro bono legal advice to the local community in Stockwell. The Centre, based at Springfield Methodist Church, re-opened after a closure of over two years due to the pandemic. As a volunteer, I attend the Center supporting as an Advisor helping members of the public directly. This initiative, supported by Addleshaw Goddard since 1976, allows me to contribute meaningfully to access to justice while connecting with colleagues across offices.
What makes this law firm a great place to work?
For me, Addleshaw Goddard is defined by its people and its opportunities. The culture here genuinely supports ambition — if you are curious, open and willing to get involved, you can shape your own career. I’ve seen first-hand how colleagues invest in each other’s growth and how hard work and engagement are recognised. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to step outside the limits of your role, take on new challenges and be part of the firm’s evolution. That combination of support, opportunity and great people makes AG a truly rewarding place to work.
What are the most important qualities you need to be a lawyer?
To succeed as a lawyer, strong analytical skills, attention to detail and commercial awareness are essential. It is important to be able to prioritise tasks effectively, take ownership of your work and manage projects in a way that ensures deadlines are met without compromising quality. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, are vital for explaining complex ideas in a clear and accessible way to clients, colleagues and other stakeholders. Resilience and adaptability are equally important enabling you to respond effectively to changing circumstances and the demands of a fast-paced legal environment.
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