In-house: A route to diversity

During my LLB, I always thought that the only place to secure a training contract was with a private law firm. My aim was to work in immigration, and during my degree, I took up work experience in a private immigration firm to build my legal experience. However, traineeship opportunities in that area were limited at the time, so I began to seek different opportunities. During the Diploma, I attended a careers event where I learned about the opportunity for law students to train in-house, and I was immediately interested.

I was initially intrigued when I learned that training in-house is focused on teamwork, both within the business and with external partners and stakeholders. From then, I was curious to seek in-house traineeships. As a black law student, securing a training contract at the time was a challenging and often discouraging process. I had not seen or heard of any black solicitors in Scotland, and I was one of two black law graduates in my LLB and Diploma academic year. Nevertheless, my passion to pursue a legal career remained.

During my last month undertaking the Diploma, I received an email about an internship programme with an organisation called Black Professional Scotland (“BPS”). I admired the organisation and its dedication to empower black professionals and students who wish to succeed in the professional workplace. I applied for the summer in-house intern role at a company named Aegon, which I was successful in securing. I thoroughly enjoyed the 12-week internship and the vast amount of experience and knowledge I gained at Aegon.

Career gateway

I admired the varied work that the Legal department dealt with, and the business knowledge and skills I began to acquire. I was able to work within the Commercial Contracts, Dispute Resolution and Legal Proposition teams over the 12 weeks. I valued the supportive business environment, and the opportunities to connect and build working relationships with colleagues within the business.

As a black aspiring solicitor, the BPS programme significantly helped me gain confidence in my ability to develop and apply my legal knowledge practically. I have been able to connect with black law students who have the same aspirations as myself, and network at different BPS events. I took part in the mentorship programme which supported my career growth. I admired the raw dedication of BPS to provide a gateway for black ethnic minorities to strive in the legal profession, and beyond.

During my internship at Aegon, I was more dedicated to securing a training contract in-house because of the great exposure to a broad range of areas of work, and expand my legal knowledge beyond Scottish law. I was involved in a variety of projects and tasks in the Legal department. I was surprised by the instant support and encouragement I received from the beginning of my internship to the very end. I knew that training in-house was for me. I secured my traineeship with Aegon in October, following a competitive recruitment process with over 100 applicants, and I began my first seat in the Dispute Resolution team. Never would I have thought that I would be training in-house, and with a company like Aegon.

Discovering potential

In the short space of time that I have worked at Aegon, I feel confident in my growth as a trainee and the work I am continually producing. I would encourage any graduate looking for a traineeship to consider training in-house. In-house opportunities aren’t as widely advertised compared to private practice traineeships; however there are opportunities out there to grab. I would recommend attending as many career fairs and workshops as possible. This had a significant influence in my approach to applying to law firms and companies, having learned that training in-house puts you in an environment that is driven by teamwork, a variety of legal work and support.

Ultimately, training in-house is stretching, interesting, and highly rewarding. Training in-house has given me the opportunity to gain a broader perspective and skillset in business and law. I am able to apply my legal mindset to business matters, and take advantage of opportunities to step outside my comfort zone. I have been able to take part in charity events, BPS networking programmes to support black students, inclusion and diversity events, and volunteering. I am also a member of the Legal department’s Inclusion & Diversity Group, where I am involved in promoting and providing an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. At Aegon, there is a strong commitment to investing in its people and bringing people together.

Working in-house for a company like Aegon has allowed me to see greater potential in myself than I ever have. I am given challenging and interesting work and I am fully supported by my colleagues and supervisors. I strive to one day be one of many black solicitors in Scotland, and a role model for black law students who have the same passion as I still do.