Emma qualified into the Business Law Department in September 2011.

I got off to a flying start in my first seat of my training contract, in the Employment Group.  The department was very busy at the time and there was no end of interesting and challenging work, which I thoroughly enjoyed getting my teeth into.  I attended numerous client meetings, an Employment Appeal Tribunal and worked on a matter that went for a seven week trial in the High Court.  Back in the office, I was given plenty of responsibility.  This included drafting letters to clients and communicating directly with them, preparing documents for court and instructing computer forensics experts.  The work was varied and demanding, involving a great deal of client contact.  Whilst there was a lot to take on board in the early days of my training contract, I was encouraged to ask questions at any time if I was unsure of anything.  I experienced a wealth of support and guidance from my supervisor, the trainee pastoral team, through to the PA's.

As to my background, I read law at the University of Southampton on their international programme, which allowed me to study for a year at the University of Hong Kong.  After graduating in June 2005 I took a job with a leading cancer charity as their Legal Officer and studied the LPC over two years whilst working full time – this has certainly stood me in good stead for my training contract.  Before joining the Firm in September 2009, I spent the best part of six months working on community schemes and travelling in South America.

I chose to apply for a training contract at Edwards Wildman because I wanted to train with a mid-sized London firm who took on quality work but would also offer me a personal, varied and thorough training experience.  I had no desire to be one of a hundred trainees in my intake and it is a real plus point that the firm only takes on eight trainees a year.  It seemed you got the attention you needed to become a really confident newly qualified solicitor. 

I was impressed by the firm from the outset of the application process.  The interview was challenging and I really felt that my interviewers took the time to make sure I was a good fit for the firm and vice versa.  In the two years leading up to my training contract, the Firm remained in regular contact. I was invited to numerous firm events and this helped me feel settled quickly.  The firm were also quick to communicate with me following its merger in 2008 setting out the reasoning behind it and how I would be affected.  This is clearly indicative of the Firm's commitment to ensuring trainees are kept abreast of developments within the firm and opportunities to incorporate these developments into our training is always a consideration.

So, in summary, I would recommend Edwards Wildman to any prospective lawyer who wants to enjoy a thorough training programme, work in a genuinely friendly and supportive environment undertaking work of the highest calibre and ultimately, does not want to end up being just a number in the system.