Before joining Edwards Wildman I studied Politics and Eastern European Studies at University College London.  I completed the Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course at BPP in Holborn, London in 2010.

I first came across the Firm at the annual UCL Law Fair in 2007. I was immediately impressed with the enthusiasm of the trainees and its ambitious plans for the merger with EAPD. In order to gain further insight I attended a presentation given by the firm through University of London Union Careers Service. It was a good opportunity to speak to representatives of the firm on a one-to-one basis, ask questions about the newly merged firm and the direction in which the firm was heading.

I applied for a training contract in Summer 2008 and was invited to an assessment day. Unlike most City firms Edwards Wildman completes its assessment of candidates in one day, it was a challenging process but meant I would know the outcome within a short space of time. I progressed to interview on my assessment day and during this I was aware that the firm were looking beyond the academics. They were very interested in my life and achievements outside of education as well as finding out what made me tick.

Throughout my time on the GDL and LPC, the firm kept in contact and I was invited to various themed parties. I had the chance to meet fellow trainees and get to know members of the firm. This ensured that on my first day I would already know many of my colleagues.

I began my training contract in September 2010 sitting in the Commercial Litigation department.  I'm was supervised by an experienced associate who also trained at the firm. After a few short weeks I was given the opportunity to work on a wide range of matters involving competition law, public international law and contract law. A real effort was made to provide you with support at different levels, from PA help and Trainee buddies to Partner Mentors. This ensured that the other new trainees and I were incorporated into the firm as smoothly as possible.

The Firm takes part in numerous pro-bono initiatives. I signed up to take part in Reading Partners which involves visiting a local school to help a child with their reading skills. The Firm is a member of the British Nigerian Law Forum and I have worked with the executive committee attending and helping with their functions such as the Annual Gala Dinner, network evenings, student careers events and performing treasurer tasks.

Edwards Wildman takes the social side of being an organisation very seriously. There were welcome drinks for the trainees as soon as we arrived. A normal Friday night consists of drinks after work with your fellow colleagues, there's also a Social Committee that plans a variety of events during the year (paintballing, bowling, quiz nights to name a few). In September 2010 the firm held its annual client party. After a crash course in networking, as part of our induction, all the new first-year trainees attended the event. It was great to get the opportunity to meet clients at this early stage and see the importance The Firm puts on the maintenance and development of client relations.

On occasion the charity and socialising faces of the Firm have been known to combine, as evidenced by the annual NSPCC Conker Cup which I attended in September 2010 along with a variety of other trainees, associates and partners. The purpose was raising money for this worthwhile cause, however I also got to display my questionable conker smashing skills.

There is an active sports side to the Firm, with a well-established football team and I am currently participating in the brand new netball team, organised by my fellow trainee Kimberley Cottrell. The lunchtime games are a great excuse to run around a court for 30 minutes shouting at the top of your voice.

The mergers have provided many new opportunities for trainees. We are now able to complete seats in more practice areas including IP and Private Equity & Venture Capital as well as work on EC Competition issues and have the opportunity for international secondments to the US and HK offices. In addition, the Firm has demonstrated a real commitment to expanding in London by moving to larger offices close to Liverpool Street.

Although the firm has come a long way since I first visited the stand at UCL law fair in 2007, it still provides a fantastic work/life balance and supportive work atmosphere creating an ideal environment in which to learn.