Michael Leith

• Career Conversations
• Michael Leith

Where are you from?

I am from Aberdeen – born and bred!

Where you did study/what’s your career background?

I studied at Robert Gordon University – originally taking the Law and Business Management course before transitioning to the Law LLB in my third year.

I have worked at RCCW since 2015 in various roles. I reached out to our fantastic HR Manager in 2015 in an attempt to gain any experience in a law firm whatsoever. I was lucky enough to be put forward for a role in the Residential Leasing department. It was only 8 hours per week but it was a foot in the door and allowed me to get close to those working in the Union Street branch, which was crucial to securing my Traineeship in 2018.

Prior to working with RCCW, I worked at Centrica Energy (now Spirit Energy), Decom North Sea and ASDA.

Why did you apply to RCCW?

I had always known of the firm given its excellent reputation in the North East. During my studies I had been researching firms around Aberdeen and recognised RCCW as a firm that were friendly and approachable. RCCW has a real family vibe.

What department(s) do/have you worked across?

I originally worked in Residential Leasing but my Traineeship was in the Corporate and Employment Department and I have been there since!

How would you describe a typical day/your experience at RCCW to date?

Incredibly varied. The Corporate and Employment Department is one of the smaller departments in the firm so we handle a wide range of client matters. It is fantastic to be able to assist clients with anything from selling their business to advising on redundancies. The broad workload means I am always learning!

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to pursue a career within a law firm?

Get rid of any fear and jump in the deep end! A career in law is incredibly rewarding. It’s a great feeling when you finish a complex transaction and the client is grateful for your support.

What do you like most about working at RCCW?

Personally, I love working alongside those in my department and the wider firm. Everyone is very sociable and easy to get along with – which makes a massive difference.