Stephen Tallon, Trainee Solicitor, William Fry

Degree Bachelor of Business & Law (UCD)
Job title Trainee Solicitor
Employer William Fry

Making choices

While in UCD I was fortunate enough to study two areas in which I have great interest, business & law. I thoroughly enjoyed the business aspect of my degree but it was the law modules that I found most interesting. When the time came to choose which route I wanted to follow, advice from family and friends became invaluable and I decided to pursue a career in law. It was a natural progression for me and the next step was a traineeship in a leading corporate law firm.
I was fortunate enough to be offered a training contract with William Fry while in my final year of college. The professional yet personable culture was immediately apparent to me from the introductory drinks reception, the interviews, and all that followed. It was this culture that drew me to the Firm and was inevitably the deciding factor in informing my decision to accept a traineeship with William
Fry; now I just had to get through the ordeal that is the FE1 exams!

The traineeship

When I successful negotiated the FE1, I began my traineeship in the Technology & Commercial Contracts department, and after a very enjoyable stint down in Blackhall I am now based in our London office, completing a rotation in our Corporate department.
The unique opportunity to live and work in one of the world’s leading cities has been fantastic. The exposure that you get in London to global markets, businesses, networks and culture all contribute to a fully rounded traineeship. The views from the bar on the 40th floor of our office also help!
With William Fry I am part of a team that has exposed me to the most intellectually challenging and rewarding work that I have ever come across. The diverse scope of the projects that come across your desk means that you are constantly adapting and learning. It also keeps things interesting; in my short time here I have been involved in various high-profile dealings, from global companies to celebrities to start-ups and many others in between.

Tips

An analytical mind, attention to detail, and an ability to efficiently manage a steady workload are key skills for anyone considering a career in law. In addition, the specialised training in William Fry equips you with essential skills in drafting, client management, business development, and all the other skills necessary to succeed in a professional career. For the moment I am focused on absorbing all the training, experience, and advice that I can get. But at this early stage I already know that I made the right decision by pursuing a career in law.

Stephen Tallon was interviewed for the gradireland 2015 Law sector guide