Emer Lyons and Conor McCabe are part of the current trainee solicitor cohort in our Dublin office, which is designed to offer hands-on experience across multiple practice areas, expert mentorship and the opportunity to work alongside leading lawyers on high-profile international transactions.
In these short interviews, Emer and Conor share what they’ve learned so far - and what they’d say to anyone thinking about applying for next year.Emer Lyons
How would you describe the culture at Walkers?The culture at Walkers is fast-paced and collaborative. The firm is full of talented people, which creates a high-performing yet friendly environment. From the outset, trainees are encouraged to take ownership of their work, ask questions and develop their legal skills. There is a genuine sense of collaboration across the firm. Throughout my time spent on the Asset Management & Investment Funds Team I have seen teams from across the firm working together in achieving the same goal of delivering for clients.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying to the programme?
Go for it. Working as a trainee solicitor in a leading international law firm brings excellent professional growth opportunities. I really enjoy the international scope of the work. I regularly get to work on matters involving asset management firms and investment fund service providers from across the world. Trainees are also treated as an integral part of the firm and are given a real breadth of work which makes for great rotations. Trainees can also get involved in firm wide initiatives and committees, I have particularly enjoyed being part of the Walkers' Ireland DEI Committee and the Women of Walkers Network.
What skills or experiences have you gained during your training that you’ve found most valuable so far?
Each day as a trainee brings another opportunity to learn and develop. You are given responsibility early on as a trainee at Walkers, this can be both challenging and rewarding as you are taken outside your comfort zone at times but ultimately this leads to greater growth. I have learned the importance of being an effective communicator, having a good work ethic and a positive attitude. I have developed my technical legal skills from drafting and reviewing documents to engaging directly with clients. I have received great mentorship and guidance throughout my traineeship.
Conor McCabe
What aspects of the training at Walkers have stood out to you the most?What has stood out most to me is how approachable and generous with their time everyone on each team has been. Partners and associates have taken the time to walk me through complex structures and the reasoning behind each transaction. The close-knit Dublin office, combined with exposure to global deals, makes Walkers a place where I am challenged to grow but never left to go it alone.
Even as a trainee, I’m encouraged to speak up and contribute - not just observe. I’m treated as part of the transaction team, and those opportunities to take responsibility have been some of the most rewarding aspects of my training.
What kind of mentoring have you received and how has it shaped your experience?
I’ve been lucky to receive strong mentoring throughout my traineeship. In each rotation, I've been paired with a trainee buddy who has helped me settle in and understand my work. That early guidance has made a real difference. I've also worked closely with senior associates and partners who took the time to explain the broader commercial context behind tasks.
Beyond day-to-day supervision, I've had regular check-ins to review my progress, which has created space for me to ask questions and reflect on my performance. That consistent support has helped me build confidence and take responsibility over my work.
Overall, I've found there to be a genuine culture of checking in and looking out for trainees here at Walkers. That level of support has really made me feel part of the Walkers team.
What opportunities have you had to work with senior lawyers or international clients?
From early on in my traineeship, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with senior lawyers and international clients. I’ve sat in on calls with, for example, investment managers, international counsel, aircraft lessors, security trustees and have worked closely alongside partners to help deliver closing documents.
I've experienced, first hand, how lawyers handle client expectations and think strategically under pressure. I've also gained a real insight into how deals are managed across different time zones and legal systems, which has definitely sharpened my communication skills and attention to detail.
These experiences have not only developed my technical ability but also given me the confidence to engage directly with clients and contribute meaningfully to transactions. This has given me a clearer understanding of the standard expected at qualification and the kind of solicitor I can develop into at Walkers.
Applications for the next intake of trainee solicitors close on 31 October. Learn more about this and our other student, graduate and training programmes here.
