LLB Law, 2001
From Aberdeen to Entrepreneurial Lawyer
Your Time at Aberdeen
Why did you choose to study at Aberdeen?
The sport facilities, quality of teaching, and the social life.
Why did you choose your particular course?
Aberdeen is rated highly amongst law schools.
What did you most enjoy about your time at Aberdeen? Did you have any particularly memorable student experiences?
I enjoyed success with the Hockey club and made many friendships playing hockey. I particularly enjoyed winning Scottish Universities and finishing as runners up at British Universities, as well as winning National League 3.
If talking to a group of prospective students, what advice would you give them to help them make the most of their time at the University of Aberdeen?
Work hard, play hard. Don't just make it an academic experience. Most folk will get a decent class of degree but what makes your CV stand out is what you did when not at lectures. Employers look for leaders, organisers, innovators, hard workers, etc.
Your Time After Aberdeen
What was the title of your first job after graduating from Aberdeen?
Trainee Solicitor at Tods Murray.
What did your first role involve?
Qualifying as a lawyer. 4 seats - corporate, litigation, banking and commercial property.
What is your current job title?
CEO.
Who is your current employer?
Me!
What is your current role?
Running multiple businesses, including Moray Group, a fresh new technology-driven professional services group, and Esson & Aberdein, a new law firm.
Please briefly describe the journey from your first job after graduating to where you are now.
I worked hard and took advantage of opportunities. Took lots of risks. Not everything worked out but got there eventually.
Was your degree at Aberdeen essential for getting to where you are now? If so, in what way?
Yes and no! I needed a LLB Hons to be a lawyer but once you get qualified, there are lots of lawyers. The ones that stand out either excel as specialist experts or are entrepreneurial. Key skills and assets for entrepreneurs are inter-personal skills and your network - Aberdeen Uni undoubtedly helped with those.
One Top Tip
It may not be every employer's idea of a dream employee, but challenge accepted norms, think differently and be brave. The world of business is changing at an incredible pace at present due to technology - so we need people that are receptive to that change and able to adapt.
