I read Scots Law at the University of Glasgow and graduated in 2006.  Following my studies I was keen to experience working in law before committing to a training contract so I worked as an intern with a small New York law firm.  Before working in New York I had not considered pursuing my legal career outside of Scotland, but found the experience of working in such a thriving environment so enjoyable that I decided to move to London on my return to the UK.

I applied to the Firm because I was impressed with the firm's strong reputation for training. The practice areas and small trainee intake were an additional draw and exactly what I had been looking for.

My first meeting with the firm was at the assessment day and I was immediately struck by how friendly all the firm's people were not only with us but each other to.  This first impression was confirmed over lunch, when we mingled with current trainees and others within the firm and they all made a real effort to get to know us.

I really think the assessment day allowed participants the chance to display their best qualities.  The activities tested us over a range of skills from group work and leadership to the more traditional reasoning and numeric tests.  The group activity did not simply reward those who talked most or punish those who talked least, but rather tried to simulate a pressured situation and give us a chance to overcome some stern opposition as a team.  After a nervy start I honestly found myself enjoying it by the end.

I left the interview with a very positive impression of the firm and despite trying to play it cool, on being offered a training contract I am pretty sure I asked where to sign despite the news originally arriving over the phone.

In the intervening two years the firm kept us involved by inviting us to the summer and winter parties meaning we were made to feel like part of the organisation long before we sat in our first seats.  The parties also gave us a chance to see the firm in a less formal environment and without the pressure of the assessment day.  I was also fortunate enough to join the firm's football team whilst on the LPC, but this did mean that my shooting skills (or lack of) were no longer a secret!

There were also regular updates from the firm and it was great to hear about the addition and growth of practice areas as the firm continued to develop following the merger.  One other important change in the interim period was the firm moving from Fetter Lane to impressive new offices on Old Broad Street and we were invited to join the firm in celebrating the new location.  By keeping us so well informed and allowing us the opportunities to meet with the firm, the two years really flew by and ensured that when we did start we were all able to hit the ground running.

In my experience with the firm I have noticed the trouble everyone went to in order to make me feel like a welcome and valued part of the team.  The Firm strongly encourages employees to have a good work/life balance.  Trainees are encouraged to participate in the firm's social events and I had responsibility (along with my other fellow first year trainees) for organising the annual quiz night.

My first seat was in the Employment Practice and I was given varied and challenging work which ensured that I learnt and developed some key skills very quickly.  I then completed a seat in Commercial Litigation where I worked on a number of different matters, all with high stakes.  I am now on client secondment to FM Global.  I am delighted to report that the enthusiasm I had for the firm on application has only increased since starting.