I read Modern Languages & Linguistics at the University of York and spent a year as an Erasmus student in Aix-en-Provence before making the transition to law. After graduating in 2009, I then went on to complete the GDL at BPP, Manchester followed swiftly by the LPC at BPP, Waterloo. I have always been an enthusiastic traveller, but having never taken a gap year, I tried to ensure that the summer months were as exotic as possible and trips to Australia, Cuba, Israel and Cambodia were all under my belt before I commenced my training contract in September 2011.

My first encounter with Edwards Wildman was at a presentation given by the firm at a LawCareers.Net event, where particular focus was placed on the diverse and international nature of the work available. We were afforded the opportunity to socialise with some of the current trainees after the presentation and I was pleased to hear of the friendly and collegiate culture that is encouraged in the London office. I was particularly attracted by the small intake of just 8 trainees each year and the high level of exposure, not only to quality, tailored training but to fee earners from all levels and the experience that comes with that. I applied for the vacation scheme shortly after in order to see for myself what life as an Edwards Wildman trainee would hold.

During my two week vacation scheme I sat in the Corporate Regulatory and Transactional department, followed by the Commercial Litigation department. As a vac schemer you are given a lot of responsibility at an early stage, but it is here that Edwards Wildman's reputation for outstanding training becomes tenable. Included in the itinerary were trainee workshops on pitch presentation and share sale agreements, negotiation and advocacy exercises, a trip to the Lloyd's Building and of course, a healthy measure of trainee socialising. The scheme was a great way to get involved with the firm on a more personal level and to get a taste of the opportunities on offer.

Following the vacation scheme, I was invited to attend an assessment day for a training contract. The interview was challenging, as you would expect from a firm of this calibre, but the atmosphere was relaxed. It was clear that the firm really wanted you to do well, and encouraged you to be open, confident and engaging. I was thrilled to learn that I had been offered a training contract and felt suitably spoiled at being invited to firm social events in the two years that followed.

I've begun my training contract with a seat in the Commercial Litigation department at what appears to be a very exciting time. There is an international element to so many of the cases in the department, exactly as I had hoped there would be. I am currently involved in an hearing at the Court of Appeal and an international dispute worth millions of pounds. Being able to sit with a senior associate or a partner means that you are involved in every stage of the process and the contributions you make are not only valued but significant.

If I were to summarise Edwards Wildman in three words, it would be: quality; diverse; and approachable.