Laura Kennedy

Degree subject BBLS Business and Legal Studies, University College Dublin (2007); MBS Project Management, UCD Michael Smurfit Business School (2008)
Job title Trainee Solicitor
Employer A&L Goodbody

Following advice from friends and family, I put lots of effort into securing different internships each summer; I travelled to Canada to work with a law firm and also gained experience within banking and finance in New York and Dublin. During my final year of college I got a place on A&L Goodbody's Summer Intern Programme; as an intern there I had the opportunity to interview for a trainee position and was really pleased to be offered a training contract.

Trainees are rotated to a different department every six months. I'm currently in Aircraft Leasing within Banking and Financial Services and I never imagined I would be working in such an area! It's a lovely, supportive team with a genuine open-door policy. Each day I'll be drafting transaction documents, working on trust formation and security filings, and liaising with a range of international clients based in places such as California and Miami.

I love the build-up and excitement of closing a case. At the moment I'm involved with NAMA; it's very interesting to work on news-worthy cases and to see what's going on at an operational level.

One of the best things about my placement is that I can very much shape my own training: I'm able to pursue my interests, the level of autonomy I have is great, and we're even encouraged to facilitate our own trainee workshops. What's more, colleagues at every level will take the time to help you.

Advice for graduates

Don't just stick to law firm internships – demonstrate commercial awareness by taking placements in banks and businesses too. It speaks volumes if you can be proactive and demonstrate interests in more than just the legal side of things.