1. Please tell us a bit about yourself, your job and where in the world you work.
My name is Sophie Campbell and I am a Trainee Solicitor in the Professional Indemnity & Commercial Team based in Glasgow.
2. What key industries/sectors do you work with?
I currently work in the Insurance industry, working with Insurers to defend allegations of professional negligence against a variety of different professionals. We act on behalf of solicitors, accountants, surveyors and architects, to name a few. We work closely with other teams across the different UK offices, including Real Estate and Private Client.
3. What do you enjoy most about your job?
As a trainee in the Professional Indemnity team, I have been able to get involved with a huge variety of different work. In the morning I might be working on a claim relating to solicitor's negligence and in the afternoon assisting on a call to discuss a surveyor's claim. I can definitely say with confidence that no two days are the same and that makes the work really interesting. I enjoy the satisfaction of achieving the best outcome for our client.
As a trainee in the Professional Indemnity team, I have a lot of direct contact with claims handlers and Insured parties. This has been an invaluable opportunity to gain client exposure at such an early stage in my career. I've also had the opportunity to assist in delivering training sessions to one of DWF's key clients which was a fantastic experience.
I have always been interested in litigation work and this seat has allowed me to gain experience working on cases in all levels of Court across Scotland. I have attended an an Appeal Hearing for a matter dealing with a key issue of prescription at the Inner House of the Court of Session. This was definitely the highlight of my traineeship so far.
4. What makes the Glasgow office unique compared to other locations?
We have recently said goodbye to our Queen Street premises and relocated to a brand new office on Waterloo Street. Although there was a feeling of collective sadness in leaving Queen Street, there is equal parts excitement for getting settled in to the newly refurbished Sentinel Building.
As a YP looking to socialise and network with other YPs from a wide range of industries and backgrounds, Glasgow is the perfect place. With one of the youngest populations in Scotland, you are sure to find lots of like minded people to explore the city and grow your career with.
Glasgow has been successful in its bid to be named the European Capital of Sport for 2023, so if sport is your thing, Glasgow has lots to offer in that department too.
Glasgow is set to host the COP26 conference between 31 October and 12 November this year. The city is recognised as a sustainability champion and is committed to reaching their target of carbon neutrality by 2030. Not only that, the word Glasgow translated from Gaelic literally means the "Dear Green Place". What could be more fitting for the host of COP26?
5. What piece of advice would you give to a YP looking to work in the Glasgow office?
My biggest piece of advice would be that if you are offered the chance to work in the Glasgow office, take it. Glasgow has a huge amount of regeneration and investment in recent years and now attracts businesses from all sectors. People really do make Glasgow and the city has a diverse and ever-growing population. As Scotland's largest city, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.
6. If a YP from another country was coming to visit you, where would you take them?
Glasgow has so much to offer for residents and visitors alike. For some culture, I would head to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. After a visit to Kelvingrove, I would suggest stopping off at the nearby Ashton Lane to grab a bite to eat. The Museum of Transport is another great visit. It is situated down by the River Clyde and you can walk back along into the city centre.
Buchanan Street is famous for its variety of shops and Glasgow is one of the UK's biggest and best shopping locations outside of London. When your feet are sore and your arms get tired from carrying your shopping bags, Merchant City just east of the city centre is great for somewhere to eat and drink.
Glasgow is known for its vibrant music and theatre scene. A visit to King-Tuts or the Barrowlands is definitely a must, or maybe enjoy a "play, a pie and a pint" at Oran Mor.
There is also lots of green space to enjoy in Glasgow. Queens Park, Glasgow Green and Kelvingrove Park are all ideal spots to enjoy a stroll and a coffee. Although with Glasgow's sometimes changeable (and often wet) weather, I would be sure to bring a brolly. The Botanic Gardens in the West End as also worth a visit – you might just have to share any snacks with the resident squirrels.
The transport links from Glasgow to the rest of Scotland are excellent. Edinburgh is only a short train journey away and as Scotland's capital it is definitely worth a visit. The Court of Session sits at Parliament House, just off the famous Royal Mile and a stones throw from Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh is full of history, beautiful scenery and great places to eat and drink. Not only is Glasgow well connected to Scotland's other cities, after a short drive you will find yourself on the "bonnie" banks of Loch Lomond or climbing one of Scotland's 282 munros.
7. If you could work anywhere else in the world where would it be?
This is a hard one. I think if I could work anywhere in the world it would be from a beach in California. I love the idea of living near the coast and spending my weekends exploring the beaches up and down Route 101 and learning to surf.
To find out more about what it's like to be a YP in Glasgow, contact Sophie Campbell
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