Mark qualified into the Employment practice in September 2011.

I read law at the University of Durham and graduated in 2006. After taking a year out I completed the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law, London. I then had a further year out before commencing my training contract at Edwards Wildman in September 2009.

From the moment I accepted my training contract offer in 2007, I was immediately treated as a member of the firm and part of the team. Having been to Christmas and Summer parties and numerous firm events before my first day, it gave me a real opportunity to meet people in a more informal environment. It certainly helped seeing some friendly faces on day one!

Applying for a training contract is a difficult task, all City firms have something to offer, and its hard to know which one is right for you. My first impressions of the Firm were that it had a unique focus on training which in turn provided an environment where trainees could excel. This impression was confirmed from the start. All trainees attend training sessions on a continual basis whether it be from outside consultants or from partners and associates within the firm. In addition to the excellent training, each trainee has a buddy from the year above, a partner mentor and has regular reviews with supervisors and our trainee principal. Every aspect of the trainee programme is focused on trainees succeeding; the time and investment the Firm put into this process illustrates how valuable they consider their trainees to be for the future of the firm. It is not only the training that sets Edwards Wildman apart, the firm has a very collegiate culture and open door policy which is rare for a firm with such a big overseas presence.

In my first seat in Insurance litigation I shared an office with a senior associate who was extremely approachable and always there to offer advice when needed. In a short space of time I worked on numerous matters. My first day was spent in the Royal Courts of Justice observing Counsel and the arguments put forward in a jurisdictional dispute. One other highlight was being able to sit in on a senior partner and Counsel meeting with regard to arbitration proceedings. From one moment to the next the type of work you can be asked to carry out varied dramatically.

Edwards Wildman is going from strength to strength which makes it an exciting time to be at the Firm. With expanding practices areas, opportunities to work abroad and on secondment, I know I made the right decision.