I graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2009 with a degree in Pharmacology. One of the most asked questions to (probably) all science graduates who apply to law is 'why did you choose to do law'? My interest in law was first stirred when I took courses in forensic science and health promotion, both of which had a legal element to them. On the back of this interest I moved to Manchester and completed both the GDL and LPC at the College of Law. After a summer of frantically filling in application forms, going on vacation schemes and attending assessment days I was very excited to start work at Edwards Wildman Palmer (Edwards Wildman) in September 2011.

I first came into contact with Edwards Wildman while searching for firms which specialised in practice areas which, I felt would allow me to use my degree in a legal context. The firm stood out as they were very keen to emphasise their expansion into legal areas involving life sciences as a result of the American merger. I was also impressed by the small size of the trainee intake as I knew this would mean I would get a training experience tailored towards my interests. I promptly applied for the summer scheme and after an interview with Sarah Warnes and Helen Clark I found myself part of the 2010 summer vacation scheme.

When I arrived in London on my vacation scheme I was given an excellent induction to the firm and I was introduced to my trainee 'buddy'. The first thing that struck me very early on was the collegial atmosphere between people at all levels in the firm. In terms of work, for a summer vacation placement I was really given the chance to see what it would be like to be an actual first year trainee. One of the tasks I worked on during the scheme was producing some witness statements for a client. This was a really good opportunity and a great learning experience even though my desk was covered with handbags for a week (it was an IP matter for a very well known luxury goods brand)!
After such an excellent experience I was delighted when the firm invited me to an interview and assessment day and even more pleased when they offered me a training contract. During the interim period I attended some of the firms social events which confirmed to me that this really was the place where I would be given the chance to learn new skills while demonstrating some of the abilities I already had.

I am currently sitting in the Business Law department and I am very pleased to say that the Edwards Wildman experience hasn't disappointed at all. I would certainly recommend a training contract with the firm. The quality of work and camaraderie among the staff is second to none.