My name is Ruairí. I was educated entirely in state comprehensive schools before going on to study Land Economy at the University of Cambridge – a multidisciplinary course combining economics, law, and policy. I chose it for its breadth, not knowing at the time that I’d eventually want to become a corporate lawyer! Since graduating, I have completed the GDL and SQE, and have been working at Goodwin since the start of September 2025.
Outside of work, I play football (at a very low skill level!) and support Arsenal FC. I also enjoy making jewellery, visiting galleries, and going out for drinks and meals with friends.
What inspired you to apply for this role with Goodwin?
I was drawn to Goodwin’s distinctive business model. The firm has successfully specialised in — and builds synergies across — five core practice areas: Finance, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Private Equity, Real Estate, and Technology. These sectors represent some of the most dynamic and high-growth areas in the global economy, and I felt confident that training at Goodwin would mean working with top-tier clients and gaining exposure to cutting-edge deals from the outset.
Equally important to me was finding a firm that combined high-quality, challenging work with a genuinely collaborative culture. Goodwin’s “learning by doing” approach really appealed to me. The support I received from future trainees when I reached out via LinkedIn — and the guidance I received during my vacation scheme — reinforced that this was a place where people take time to help each other grow. I'm glad to say that this culture has continued throughout my training contract.
What is your role at Goodwin?
Trainee Solicitor
What has been the single most important thing you learnt so far in your job?
During my vacation scheme, I quickly learned the importance of building strong working relationships at all levels. By observing and asking questions about how people approached their work, I found myself entrusted with tasks that were far beyond what I had expected to be doing. This boosted my confidence and helped me grow significantly — and it’s a mindset I’ve carried into my training contract.
Any tips for anyone applying for a role at Goodwin?
The standard advice applies: do your research into the firm’s recent deals and strategic focus, and think carefully about whether the firm’s key markets align with your own interests.
In particular, I recommend reaching out to Goodwin trainees or associates via LinkedIn — both to learn more about the firm and to get a feel for its culture. For me, the warmth and support I received during that outreach process played a big role in my decision to apply, and I’m committed to paying that forward myself.
Also, try to build some understanding of the industries Goodwin operates in. I’ve always been interested in entrepreneurship, which gave me a useful foundation when engaging with work in the Funds and Technology & Life Sciences teams during my internship.