Miller Samuel Hill Brown is pleased to announce the appointment of our newest trainee, Allan Millar. After pursuing a career in Pharmacy, Allan made a transition to law and has now commenced his traineeship in the firm’s Residential Property Department after completing his Bachelor of Laws and Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Strathclyde. Allan took some time from his busy schedule to discuss his role within the firm and his experiences so far with us.
1. What was your first week like?
A whirlwind. Meeting all my new colleagues. Setting up my desk. Learning a new computer system. So quite a lot even though it was actually a short week as the Monday was a bank holiday. There was also a welcome lunch for me, where the team went out of the office to a restaurant which was very nice.
2. What variety of work have you undertaken in your first month?
My first seat is with the Residential Conveyancing team. I have been speaking with clients on the phone about initial enquiries, and providing quotations. I have been opening new files, and drafting necessary documentation (Observations/ Qualified Acceptances dependent upon how much detail you want). I also correspond with clients, estate agents and solicitors via e-mail to progress sales and purchases of properties. I have also assisted with the distribution of mail in the office and enjoyed franking outgoing mail.
3. What surprising things have you learned on the job?
I’m afraid I haven’t encountered any great surprises yet. However, after a month I have picked up upon a maxim of my colleagues in the department: Always expect the unexpected! Also, perhaps less surprisingly, there are never staples in the stapler when you need one. I have been pleasantly surprised by the lack of formality in the office.
4. What does a typical day entail for you?
There is a symmetry most office workers will recognise: It begins and ends with e-mails. That’s not entirely true because I will start sifting through my e-mails based upon anything outstanding from the previous day. Having sifted through my e-mails, I will then work on matters arising from the e-mails and handle any matters handed to me by my Residential Conveyancing colleagues. I will keep an eye on my e-mails through the day ,and should any initial Conveyancing enquiry e-mails come through I will phone the client to take down particulars. After lunch, I will typical draft documents and talk with my supervising partner. Occasionally , a client may come to the office and I sometimes sit in on the meeting. In the final half hour of the day, I again check my e-mail for outstanding matters so as to plan the next day and also write a diary come log of what I have done that day.
5. Overall, what is your experience at Miller Samuel Hill Brown like?
Everyday, I learn something new . Some new legal knowledge, a practical drafting tip or something about myself. My new colleagues foster that in me. It’s fast-paced, it’s dynamic, it’s brilliant.
Trainees will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in at least three different departments over a period of two years. They will work directly alongside experienced practitioners and serve a diverse range of clients, from individuals to Public Limited Companies. If Allan has inspired you and you are interested in applying for a traineeship, please submit your CV and a covering letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
