Careers and Employability

Careers and Employability

Award Winning Student Offered Training Contract

Hear from Antonia Andison, a LLB Law with English Law student, as she shares her inspiring journey of fulfilling her dream of studying Law and securing a Traineeship.

Justin D Agostino, Chief Executive Officer and Partner at Herbert Smith Freehills talks about his career to date

Former Law student Justin D Agostino explains what he loves about working in Law and what advice he’d give to students who are considering a career in the legal profession.

When selecting a law degree, it's crucial to consider employability prospects. According to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023, an impressive 94.8% of our law graduates have secured employment and/or pursued further studies within 15 months of graduation.

During your academic journey with us, you'll have access to a wide range of societies and student projects, fostering a robust network that can propel your career forward well beyond your time at university.

In the dynamic landscape of legal employment, there has been a recent surge in hiring activities. Your skills and experience developed at the University of Aberdeen will offer excellent preparation for a career in law as well as within other exciting fields.

University Careers and Employability Support Services

Available Services

The Careers and Employability Service offers a range of services to inspire and support career success. Through our inclusive, responsive and professionally-accredited service, we provide opportunities to:

  • Explore options, enabling individuals to make informed choices about their future through accessible, approachable and effective careers education, information and guidance.
  • Develop employability skills, confidence and experience through innovative curricular, co-curricular and work-related activities in collaboration with university colleagues and employers.
  • Connect our University community with regional, national and global employers and organisations, to build effective partnerships and create diverse opportunities.

 

Find Out More

For more information on our services and how you can benefit from them please watch the video and visit out website

 

Where could a law degree take you?

Are you driven by the desire to make positive contributions to society? Let the experiences of our valued alumni inspire you. Hear from former students who are making meaningful impacts embodying the spirit of positive change and societal advancement.

Timipre Wolo (Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School of Government)

Hear from Law alumni Timipre Wolo, John F Kennedy and Edward S. Mason Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government on where a Law degree took her. Timi talks about why obtaining a Master’s degree in Law from the University of Aberdeen is one of the best decisions she have ever made and how it helped to build the requisite skills and confidence she needed to pursue her dreams. 

 

Justin D Agostino (Chief Executive Officer and Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills)

Former Law student, Justin D Agostino, Chief Executive Officer and Partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, walks us through his career to date, what he loves about working in Law and finally, the career opportunities it can bring. 

 

Lisa Henderson (KC, Barrister, Ampersand Advocates)

Hear from our alumni Lisa Henderson, KC, Barrister, at Ampersand Advocates on where a Law degree took her. Find out all about Lisa's career, her inspiration and what she would say to students who are considering studying a Law degree at Aberdeen. 

 

Sir Iain Livingstone (Former Chief Constable, Police Scotland)

Hear from former Law student Sir Iain Livingstone, former Chief Constable, Police Scotland, talking about his career journey, the opportunities available to students studying a Law degree and why Aberdeen has been - and will continue to be - a very special place for him.

Chris Garden (Legal Director, Shepherd and Wedderburn)

Former University of Aberdeen law student Chris Garden, Legal Director, Shepherd and Wedderburn talks about all things insolvency, commercial disputes and regulation.

Fran Hutchison (Legal Manager, INEOS FPS)

Former University of Aberdeen law student Fran Hutchison, Legal Manager, INEOS FPS went from a law degree to working on complex contracts such as the Forties pipeline system, the project that brings in approximately 35% of the UK’s oil and gas from the North Sea.

 

Latasha Kirimbai (Trainee Solicitor, Thorntons Law)

Latasha Kirimbai, Trainee Solicitor within the Thorntons Law intellectual property team, explains how a law degree from the University of Aberdeen helped shape her aspirations to work across corporate and commercial law, internationally.

 

Nathan Corr (Trainee Solicitor, Addleshaw Goddard)

Nathan Corr, Trainee Solicitor, Addleshaw Goddard, explains how a law degree from the University of Aberdeen helped his career journey and led him to become founder of education company, Law School 2.0.

 

Molly O'Donoghue (Trainee Solicitor at Brodies LLP)

Molly O'Donoghue, a second year trainee solicitor at Brodies LLP talks to us about doing a split seat in corporate and employment law.

What programme did you study?

“I studied the LLB with English law. When I embarked on my academic journey, I was uncertain about my career path in the legal field. However, I opted for law as a legal education helps to build essential competencies, including critical thinking, analysis, problem-solving, and effective time management. These skills hold significance irrespective of what job you end up doing.”

What type of work are you involved in, at your current firm?

“The corporate work I am involved with is primarily acquisitions of businesses. However, I have also worked on incorporations, mergers, corporate restructuring, corporate governance matters, management buyouts and buy-ins, joint venture arrangements, share buy-backs and reviewing/drafting company constitutions and shareholders' and investment agreements. In employment, I have had exposure to transactional work (for instance, advising on employment due diligence, drafting employment provisions in documents such as asset or share purchase agreements, advising on the effect of TUPE on relevant business transfers and service provision changes, and post-completion harmonisation of terms and conditions of employment) and contentious work (for instance, preparing for and attending tribunals in relation to employment-related claims).

We work for clients across a variety of sectors, including oil and gas, renewables, transport, infrastructure, food and drink, technology, manufacturing, and real estate.

As corporate lawyers, we play an important role in safeguarding a company's legal interests, managing risks, ensuring compliance, and facilitating business transactions. Our expertise helps corporations operate within the law while navigating the complex legal landscape of the business world.

As employment lawyers, we help to protect both employers' and employees' rights and interests, maintain a legally compliant workplace, prevent disputes, and foster a positive work environment. Our expertise is crucial in navigating the vast amount of employment laws and regulations to promote fair and ethical employment practices.”

Why are you passionate about your role?

“I am passionate about my work because I enjoy helping clients navigate complex issues. Whether it's solving tricky legal problems or negotiating deals, it feels great to know I've played a part in getting a favourable outcome for our clients. I'm also lucky to work with two amazing teams. They've trained me well and given me more responsibility than I expected as a trainee. This means I'm learning a lot every day, and that's something I really enjoy about my job.”

Tell us about your experience studying law at University of Aberdeen?

“I truly believe that my time at the University of Aberdeen has played a crucial role in shaping my journey to where I am today. The teaching quality is exceptional, and the faculty is incredibly supportive. The courses are engaging and encouraged me to explore different areas of law with an open mind. During my undergraduate and postgraduate studies, I had valuable opportunities to teach and conduct research. These experiences have helped me develop essential skills like clear communication and simplifying complex ideas, which are vital for excelling as a lawyer.”

What advice would you give to prospective students?

“Research different areas of law to understand the variety of specialisations available. Find the aspects that resonate with you the most and align with your career aspirations. Consider whether you want to practise law, work in academia, or pursue a different career then tailor your education and experiences accordingly. It is also helpful to try to gain practical experience, for example, through placements. Real-world exposure will offer insights into the day-to-day realities of legal practice.”