I studied Politics at Nottingham University and graduated in 2006, unsure of quite what to do next. I was interested in pursuing a career in law, but felt I should get some experience first before committing to another 2 years in full time education. After 8 months working in a Property and Litigation practice, I was sure that a legal career would be right for me.  I went on to complete the GDL followed by the LPC at The College of Law in Bloomsbury and Moorgate respectively.

My first meeting with thje Firm was at an open day in the summer of 2008. Having attended similar events at other firms, I remember being struck by how friendly and down to earth everyone seemed, with not only the current trainees but even the managing partner happy to take the time to chat to prospective applicants. The open day was a great opportunity to learn more about the firm in a relaxed manner. It shaped my understanding of what the firm was looking for in potential trainees while helping me to work out what I wanted from my training contract: quality training in a collegiate environment where people took their work, but not themselves, seriously.

Suitably impressed, I then applied for a training contract to start in September 2010. The assessment day was challenging but enjoyable, particularly the interview. I really felt that the assessors were trying to get the best out of me (even if that meant grilling me on a few points!) at the same time as trying to get a sense of who I was as an individual. By the end of the day, my nerves had all but disappeared and the interview felt more like a conversation than anything else which really made me feel like I could just be myself, rather than a hypothetical 'model' trainee who could tick all the boxes.

Once I'd received my offer, the knowledge of a two year wait made that first day in the office seem very far away but the Firm made a real effort to maintain regular contact with all the future trainees. This really helped me to feel like part of the firm and I became accustomed to receiving invitations to social events from the firm, from the big winter social to a more low key comedy night or participating in a 10km walk for charity. Now that I've started my training contract the social dimension has naturally intensified. I've been impressed by the firm's commitment to involve trainees at all levels – from the big client reception party we attended within 3 weeks of joining to the annual firm quiz night, hosted by the first year trainees.

As for the work, since starting I've been presented with a challenging and varied workload. I sat in the Insurance and Reinsurance department and was involved in a coverage dispute between a Bermuda reinsurer and its reinsured relating to damage to an oil platform as well as acting for a Lloyd's syndicate in a Commercial Court dispute. Both were incredibly complex matters but the challenge of learning so much, so quickly, was really enjoyable.  Together with the support trainees receive (from the array of trainee workshops to being assigned dedicated second-year trainee and partner mentors) these are the features that make Edwards Wildman a great place to train. The first seat of the training contract can be a daunting prospect, but with the support and quality of work on offer at the Firm, trainees really do feel like an integral and valued part of the team.