Can you provide some background on your education before joining Maples and what attracted you to a career in law?
I grew up in Dublin and was eager to study somewhere new, so I completed my undergraduate degree in civil law at the University of Galway. At school I had really enjoyed history and debating, which made law a natural fit.
Why did you decide to do an MSc in development practice at Trinity? And do you think it has benefited your legal career to date?
My interest in current affairs led me to my undergraduate degree in law and also drew me to the MSc in development practice, which is an interdisciplinary degree focusing on the economic and social challenges facing sustainable development both internationally and domestically. I believe that learning alongside peers across health, natural, social and managements sciences developed my critical thinking abilities and gave a good grounding for a legal career. Seeking out environments with a diversity of perspectives has definitely been a hallmark of my academic and professional experience to date.
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Why did you decide to apply for the Maples internship?
There were a number of factors which set Maples apart when I was applying for internships. From researching the firm, I understood that they valued collegiality and innovative thinking. Ultimately, I was encouraged by friends who were trainees at the time and had spoken very highly of their time at the firm.
Can you provide us with some details of your internship?
I was placed within the finance team and was able to shadow trainees, associates and partners working in the three sub groups; banking, asset finance and structured finance. It was a great experience and all the interns were invited along to social events going on over the summer in the firm.
What attracted you to the Maples training program; what is its unique selling point compared to other training programs? Did the international footprint of Maples attract you to the firm?
There were a few factors, which set Maples apart for me including the firm’s reputation, competitive salary and small intake. The firm also has a well-established secondment programme, with secondments to Cayman Islands, Hong Kong, London, Jersey and Luxembourg. This caught my attention as someone who wanted to both work abroad and qualify in Ireland. However, as exciting as secondments are, the Dublin office is where you spend the majority of your time and where you will be receiving the bulk of your training, so it’s important to ensure the office culture is the right fit for you.
What seat of your traineeship are you currently completing?
I have just completed my third seat of my traineeship with the funds and investment management team in Hong Kong. My work focuses on establishing mutual and private funds, drafting offering documents and regulatory compliance.
How did your secondment come about?
I applied for a secondment once Maples restarted the secondment programme for Irish trainees after global travel restrictions eased in 2022. Trainees were asked to apply for the various secondment offices and were selected to go based on a variety of factors, from academic achievements to feedback from within the firm. Once I found out I was successful I began filling out my visa application within a few days.
What has your experience been like during your time in Hong Kong so far?
The fast-pace environment of life in Hong Kong has been really energising, with a mix of the old and the new. It’s been great to continue my journey as a trainee in a new city with a fascinating history and rich culture.
It’s been an incredible experience on a professional and personal level. I’ve worked on both the Irish and Cayman side of investment funds, seeing how different jurisdictions operate and how quickly regional developments impact businesses. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being able to take weekend breaks to cities in South East Asia as well as missing out on the Irish winter.
Would you recommend that other young lawyers take advantage of opportunities to work internationally? If so, why?
The secondment experience is an opportunity to grow and develop your career and it allows you to work abroad and experience different cultures. Moving within the Maples Group has made everything so much easier, from accommodation to getting to know the team. I have gained exposure to other jurisdictions’ legal systems and expanded my professional network while being able to travel to and explore new places.
What advice do you have for law students currently mapping out their career?
I would strongly suggest getting experience in a legal practice before your traineeship to ensure it is somewhere you can see yourself developing your career, either through placement in university or internships. Exams are only one step in the process to becoming a solicitor in Ireland. Understanding the type of work you will be expected to complete as a trainee will help you decide if it is something you want to work towards. I would advise anyone interested in law to reach out to other graduates or check out the careers fairs at their university.
For more information on the Maples Group’s #TraineeProgramme, visit maples.com.