Constantinos qualified into the Business Law Department in October 2011.

I joined the Firm in September 2009.  Prior to this I had studied Law with Chinese Law at the University of Nottingham and the University of Hong Kong. I also completed a masters degree in International and European law at the University of Amsterdam. I then completed my Legal Practice Course at BPP Law School, Holborn.

When searching for potential training contracts, the international aspects of my academic years gave me a definite interest in international legal practice. This led me to Edwards Wildman and is something which I have definitely found during my training at the firm. The post-merger developments have only served to broaden and enrich the pre-existing international focus in the firm's work. I have already been struck by the breadth and variety of high level matters with an international element which the firm is involved in.

Another exciting development which the merger has brought to the firm are the new practice areas now being incorporated into the London office. The introduction of practices in intellectual property, private equity, competition and banking can only broaden the horizons of the trainees at the firm. When you combine that with the impressive roster of client secondments which are offered by the firm and the opportunity of working in one of the firm's international offices, it is clear that Edwards Angell Palmer and Dodge offers its trainees an exciting package.

A piece of advice I would give to those about to embark on a raft of training contract applications is to think about what you want to get out of your two year contract. I would suggest that a key factor should be about training and this is something that the Firm have been commended on at industry awards time and time again. I also wanted to get my hands dirty and actually be engaged in the matters which the firm is involved in. Speaking from experience, a high level of involvement is something that is guaranteed at Edwards Wildman from day one.

The assessment day was a rollercoaster, with a lot of nervous energy. One thing that remained constant, however, was the friendly and approachable manner of everyone we came into contact with. That’s not to say that the process was not thorough: it was! Throughout you felt that you were being challenged to give your best and really prove yourself. I was interviewed by a partner and the firm's marketing director and I felt that they had actually taken the time to read my application and take an interest in me as a person.

I know it sounds like a cliché, but as a trainee at the Firm you are not a number. The fact that the firm will only agree to take on eight trainees means that you will receive responsive, first-class training throughout (I'm not so sure I would have got this approach if I was at a firm with a larger number of trainees).

I am happy to report that during my training I felt welcomed by all those I came into contact with. People were always willing to take time to help you understand a complex matter, a simple question of admin or just to see how you were getting on. It is this personal approach which helps the training at Edwards Wildman stand out from the crowd.