Author

Leah Tralongo, Glasgow University Student

3 minute read

Meet Leah Tralongo

Hi, I’m Leah, a student from the University of Glasgow, who was lucky enough to join Scottish Engineering’s Legal and HR team to undertake a legal work experience placement. To introduce myself, I graduated last year from the University of Glasgow with a First Class Honours degree in English Literature and History, and am just about to begin my second year of the Graduate Entry Scots Law LLB at the same university, as well as the second year of my part-time Master of Studies in History at the University of Cambridge. 

As mentioned, I was fortunate to be able to gain some insight into the world of employment law through a few days working within the Scottish Engineering Legal and HR team. I was keen to understand the working realities of law in and advice in a setting beyond university and the ‘black letter law’ of textbooks, and this experience was fantastic for it. I got to meet members, both on-site and in training sessions, and really see in practice the combination of law and commercial practices. 

Through my time at Scottish Engineering, I’ve gained a varied insight into employment law, from understanding the logistical process of handling employment law claims, forms, and websites, to analysing tribunal cases from the initial ET1 form stage through to the judgement, as well as shadow and note-take in calls followed by discussions on advice given. In addition, I was lucky enough to attend some training sessions with members, especially enjoying participating in presenting a little bit on contract law and hearing discussions on the practicalities of implementing the law optimally in the workplace. I also compiled slides for a breakfast briefing on fire and rehire practices and even attended meetings. This invaluable experience has given me insight into the commercial realities of legal advice and how concerns such as ease of implementation and reputational impact affect the relationships businesses have with the law and legal advice, as well as the ways in which the team structured legal advice for each client’s needs and situations.

This experience has been an excellent introduction to employment law in practice, strengthening my analytical and communication skills, and has massively increased my understanding of how legal advice operates in a real-world, commercial context. I am very grateful to the whole Scottish Engineering team who have been so welcoming and kind, and especially to the Legal and HR team who have shared their expertise and provided such a hands-on, practical experience.