Sarah Innes

• Career Conversations
• Sarah Innes

Where are you from?

I am from Edzell, a small village in Angus and I went to school in Laurencekirk.

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

I did all of my studying at RGU.  Following school I started a course in Forensic Science with Law, as I was more into the sciences at school, but I quickly realised that I enjoyed the Law modules more and after completing the BSc I started my Law Degree.  When I graduated from the diploma there was a shortage of Traineeships so I started working as a receptionist for a small firm in Aberdeen before applying for a job in the Property Shop with RCCW.  I primarily worked in the Estate Agency side of things for a number of years which gave me a solid background in the Aberdeen and Shire property markets and an insight into how things work and the processes involved with selling and buying properties.  For a number of reasons I was late in starting my traineeship but RCCW gave me that opportunity and encouraged me to complete my training.  In 2020, in the middle of the epidemic I completed my traineeship and was delighted to take on a role as a Solicitor with the firm.

 Why did you apply to RCCW?

They seemed to me to be a firm that would provide me with career prospects/opportunities.  I knew they had a good reputation within the area and that they were a full service law firm that could provide me with the exposure to clients and varying work that I needed for experience. I also knew someone who already worked with the firm and they encouraged me to go for it and I’m thankful that I did.

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

I started in the Estate Agency side of things in the Property Shop on Union Street and since qualifying I have continued to focus on Residential Property, working across the Property Shop and Banchory branches before settling in the Stonehaven branch where I am now based.

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

That’s what I think is the good thing about working in property – no two days are ever the same and you have exposure to a large number of clients.  It’s nice to help clients from the start of their journey in selling or buying a house right through to the end and I think that level of continuity is something that clients appreciate.

My experience of RCCW is overwhelmingly positive. I have had an enormous amount of encouragement and support from Partners and staff and have some fantastic colleagues.  There is no sense of superiority in the firm – we are very much a team and I never have to go far for advice or help and there is not one person who doesn’t have time to help.

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

Just go for it.  It’s never too late – and I can say that because I waited 7 years between doing my Diploma and starting my Traineeship.  You’ll never be short of help when you need it and everyone wants you to succeed.

What do you like most about working at RCCW?

There is a great work life balance and for me, with a young family, that is incredibly important.  Perhaps a bit clichéd but the people – my colleagues make going into work on a Monday that much easier and they are always there to cheer me up when something isn’t quite going to plan.