After a traditional "round the world ticket"-style gap year, I went to Leeds University to study English and French. I loved the subjects, especially the year abroad which I spent working in two secondary schools in France.

While I was living in France I secured a vacation scheme at EAPD (as it was then called). The firm was very accepting of my "non-law" background, and assumed no previous knowledge. This allowed me to relax and enjoy the opportunity. I was able to address all of my questions about the firm's core departments and the legal industry in general to the firm's experts. This was an invaluable experience, during which I was given work on interesting and varied matters and treated immediately as an asset.

My placement at the firm led me to apply the following summer for a training contract. The assessment process was hard work but it seemed to have a focus on common sense, and, as with all of my previous experiences of the firm, the hard work was softened by such a positive and encouraging environment. Upon hearing I had been successful, I was soon sent details of exciting events which I was invited to in the coming months. This reinforced my perception of the firm as one which takes integration of its trainees very seriously.

Given my background in French I was keen that a training contract would give me exposure to work of an international nature and the opportunity to use my language skills. This was confirmed in my first week in my Competition seat. I have already completed my first French translation and every matter I have worked on so far has involved foreign elements. The work is very varied and often complex, but I have been trusted with responsibility from the outset.

Unfortunately, my first appearance for the firm's 5-a-side football team was a rather more painful experience. But when you are at the bottom of the league, the only way is up!