Meet Thomas

University attended: University of Limerick

Degree qualification and year of graduation: LLB, 2016

 

Tell us about your role and when did you join the firm?

I initially joined Dentons Dublin as a paralegal in November 2022 and commenced my traineeship in 2025. 

I am currently in my second seat in the Banking and Finance group, having completed my first seat in Disputes. 

In both seats, I have had valuable opportunities to take on responsibility and play an active role in complex and challenging matters.

 

What inspired you to apply to Dentons?

For me, joining the Dentons trainee programme was a no-brainer. 

During my time as a paralegal, I saw first-hand the partners’ ambition to continue to grow and develop the firm. The opportunity to learn in that fast-paced, dynamic environment was particularly exciting. 

International exposure is also embedded in the work we do at Dentons, and this was a key factor for me in choosing Dentons as my training firm. A large proportion of the work I do has an international dimension, and I often work with Dentons teams in other offices around the world. For example, I recently worked on a project for an international client that involved coordinating advice from colleagues across 26 jurisdictions. The opportunity to apply for an international secondment is another standout feature of the trainee programme. 

 

What does a typical working day look like?

One of the best things about being a trainee at Dentons is that no two days are exactly the same.

Despite being a night owl, I tend to start relatively early and usually check my emails on my phone so I can plan my priorities for the day before going to the office. My days typically involve meetings with colleagues, client calls, emails, drafting, research and formal training sessions. 

Particularly as a trainee, there is a huge amount to be gained from being around the partners and associates, so I work from the office most days. I find that some of the most useful learning happens by osmosis, so being around highly experienced lawyers is always a benefit.

In my Banking and Finance seat, I have worked on real estate finance, aviation and asset finance, and structured finance transactions, among others. I am currently working on a large securitisation transaction, which involves pooling loans and financing them through the issue of notes to investors. 

It is detailed and technically challenging work, but it also gives me a clear view of how the different commercial and legal elements of a major transaction fit together. That responsibility is matched by a strong support system, and the team is always available to provide guidance when I need it.

 

What does work-life balance look like in your role?

The hours vary depending on client needs and deadlines. There is no expectation that people remain in the office once the work is done. At other times, when a transaction is approaching closing or when a case is approaching a crunch point, everyone puts in the extra time to get the best outcome for the client.

On a recent cross-border aircraft transaction, for example, the closing mechanics required the aircraft to be physically located in specified jurisdictions at particular times. The closing time was therefore driven by the movement of the aircraft rather than by ordinary working hours. When the closing window became clear, I logged back in from home that evening to help complete the transaction.

That sort of flexibility is sometimes part of work in law firms. There can be late finishes, but there is also a real sense of achievement when a team delivers a great result for the client. 

The flexibility works both ways. When matters are quieter, people are sensible about finishing at a reasonable time. There is also a strong social side to the firm, and colleagues regularly spend time together outside work.

 

What is the single most important thing you have learned so far as a trainee?

Get involved.

In many ways, a traineeship is what you make of it. The teams at Dentons work on a wide variety of matters, and being proactive is one of the best ways to gain the broadest possible training experience. I know that experience will stand me in good stead throughout my career.

When my workload allows, I offer to get involved in additional work streams. Team are usually very receptive, and I have found that those opportunities often lead to further learning. 

 

What are your top tips for someone applying to Dentons?

Know what makes Dentons different from the other firms in the market. Don't just regurgitate information from the website. Be able to explain why those differences matter to you.

Commercial awareness appears in almost every graduate brochure for a reason. Do your research to be able to demonstrate your understanding of commercial awareness and be able to explain its significance. Try to incorporate specific examples in your application and interview. 

 

What is the best piece of work you have been involved in?

It is genuinely difficult to choose just one matter. One of the standout experiences so far was a complex, high-value shareholder dispute during my Disputes seat, where we acted for a minority shareholder in proceedings before the Commercial Court. The proceedings attracted extensive national and international media coverage. 

I was heavily involved in preparing the matter and attended client meetings, consultations with counsel, court hearings and mediation. As a trainee, it was an exceptional opportunity to see how a major commercial dispute is managed. It was particularly rewarding to be trusted to contribute on a matter of that scale and to work closely with an experienced team under significant time pressure.

 

Are you involved with any of the firm’s networks?

I have been actively involved in a number of the firm’s pro bono and community initiatives, including helping local charities with their legal obligations, assisting on a family reunification matter, and participating in student mentoring programmes. 

 

What makes Dentons a great place to work?

The people.

The culture in the Dublin office is open and friendly. Everyone is approachable, and because the office is non-hierarchical, people at different levels regularly have lunch together.

My trainee cohort is close-knit and supportive, and we are always happy to help one another, particularly during busy periods. 

Our partners bring experience from a range of leading Irish and international firms, and as a trainee, I benefit from that breadth of knowledge and perspective.

I have also attended business development events in Dublin and London, which have given me an insight into how client relationships are built and how the wider business of a law firm operates.

 

What are the most important qualities you need to be a lawyer?

At its heart, law is a people business. Technical ability is essential, but clients also need lawyers whom they trust to help them navigate complex business problems in the most efficient way possible. The ability to work collaboratively is just as important, so building strong relationships with colleagues is essential.

The best lawyers I have worked with combine technical expertise with an ability to understand their clients’ commercial objectives and translate complex legal analysis into clear, practical solutions. The aim is not simply to answer a legal question, but to become a trusted adviser who understands the client’s business and broader priorities.

 

Can you debunk a myth about working in law?

That you are expected to know everything. 

Nobody expects a trainee to arrive as a finished lawyer with every answer. What matters is being curious, taking ownership of your work, asking questions, knowing when to seek guidance and learning from both feedback and mistakes.