Out of 50 lawyers to successfully secure spaces on the 2024 programme – open to associates in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pacific – four were based in Scotland.

Two spent their placements in Australia, with Kelly Brotherhood joining the fraud team in Melbourne, and Bronagh Finlay spending a week with Clyde & Co’s Sydney-based disease team. Ross Fairweather travelled stateside to work with the insurance team in Boston, and Kirstie Carrick joined the firm’s employment team in Doha.

Speaking on her return from Qatar, Ms Carrick said: “I was made to feel extremely welcome in Doha, which I chose as I was keen to understand how the life of an employment solicitor would differ in an emerging market in the Middle East compared with the UK.

“I got to understand the relationship between business development in the hospitality, education and commercial sectors, and what this means in terms of employment law in relation to drafting employment contracts, recruiting and retaining staff, and immigration considerations. It was an amazing opportunity to broaden my network, and I continue to stay connected with Doha colleagues.”

Ms Brotherhood added: “The Melbourne office was extremely friendly, and they made me feel so welcome. One of the highlights of my placement was being able to visit the Supreme Court to sit in on a bankruptcy case. The office also invited me to a bowling night and a leaving party where we had oysters at a rooftop bar. I’ve now introduced the Melbourne office to Clyde & Co fraud teams, and they are now looking to work together, which is exciting.”

Ms Finlay said: “I really enjoyed my time in Sydney, getting to know Australian colleagues and build connections with people in the team at all levels. I now have a good network of contacts that I can reach out to for support on multi-jurisdictional matters. I feel more confident promoting the firm’s services on a global scale to clients and can see how Clyde & Co is truly working as one.

“It was interesting observing court in a different jurisdiction and noting the similarities and differences in procedures. The programme really embeds Clyde & Co values and is a unique offering that I would recommend to anyone.”

Mr Fairweather added: “I thoroughly enjoyed my week in Boston, where I met the whole team and discussed many interesting topics, including surety bonds, cross-border trade disputes, asbestos and The Mighty Ducks!

“As well as learning all about the Massachusetts legal system, I got to go to a Red Sox game, and was also given a tour of downtown Boston, which included the US District Court of Massachusetts, and the site of the Boston Tea Party.”

Vikki Melville, managing partner for Clyde & Co in Scotland, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Bronagh, Kelly, Kirstie and Ross had a successful and enriching experience during the exchange programme. They’ve forged lasting relationships with international colleagues, developed important connections with contacts and clients abroad and gained insight into the cultural differences across the firm. I would encourage colleagues to take part in this fantastic scheme when it reopens.”