My journey to joining the Dubai Gateway Programme

Sean Brogan, a Dubai Gateway Programme trainee at Pinsent Masons, shares his unique journey from a science background to law, highlighting the support, culture, and opportunities that shaped his career path.

I never imagined a career in law would be an option after graduating with a BSc from the University of Innsbruck’s Faculty of Geo- and Atmospheric Science. My focus had always been on science, so when I moved back to the UAE, my job search naturally started in that direction. As I explored different paths, I came across the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). The flexibility to withdraw within two months if it wasn’t for me gave me the confidence to enrol – despite law having never been on my radar before.

Shortly after, I discovered Pinsent’s Dubai summer internship opportunity. This was a turning point. The interview process taught me something invaluable: it wasn’t just about giving the “right” answers but about sharing my own perspective and standing by my reasoning – something one might normally view as a risk during an interview was instead encouraged as a strength.

During the summer internship, I rotated through three practice areas of varying sizes (CAD – where I am currently seated, Property Development & Investment and Employment & Reward). Coming from a non-LLB background, I initially wondered how I would fit in. After all, I had never set foot in an international law firm. Instead, I found that my individuality was not only acknowledged but genuinely valued. Each team made a real effort to involve me in meaningful work and explain the nuances of their roles - the documents they handle, the decisions they make, and the challenges they navigate. These insights were more than academic; they gave me a real sense of what life in each practice area looks like.

I was fortunate to not only have supervisors, but also colleagues in other seats who went above and beyond to help me fit in and make the experience incredibly valuable. Their willingness to share knowledge and answer a barrage of questions helped me understand the breadth of opportunities on offer within the firm. This clarity proved essential when it came time to choose my seat rotations for the Gateway Programme.

On the back of the summer internship, I was offered a place on the Gateway Programme. From there, I had a year to complete the University of Law’s LLM with the SQE (highly recommend front-loading the SQE), during which the firm thoroughly supported me and was always on hand to offer guidance in what was an incredibly stressful year. That level of support made a huge difference and reinforced why I wanted to build my career here.

However, what stands out most is the culture of valuing people for who they are (honourable mention goes to Tuesday lunch surprises). Every day I come into the office, I’m surrounded by approachable colleagues from diverse backgrounds – and it’s exactly that mix of perspectives (often over a coffee) which constantly helps me to learn, grow and improve.