Profile

Having decided on a career in law, I was faced with the task of differentiating between the major City firms. On paper this was certainly a challenge, but my first impressions of Lovells during the course of my interview helped to make it a straightforward decision. In addition to its top-end work for a portfolio of high-profile clients and the breadth of its practice areas, what stood out was the attitude of the people that I met at Lovells, particularly their energy and enthusiasm and their willingness to take time out to talk and answer the questions I had. It really helped to create a motivating atmosphere and I recognised that these were the people that I wanted to work with. I am pleased to say that my first impressions still ring true today.

My career at Lovells began in February 2006, when I joined the firm as a trainee. During my training contract, I undertook seats in Project Finance, Insurance and Reinsurance litigation and Corporate/Commercial before embarking on a client secondment for my final six months. The experience I gained as a trainee was diverse and I learned a great deal about different areas of law, which enabled me to make a considered decision about which area of law I would pursue. I was particularly grateful for the opportunity to go on a client secondment as it enabled me to gain a valuable insight into a client's business and the responsibility I was given made it the ideal stepping stone to qualification.

I completed my training contract in February and upon qualification, I joined the Corporate department. However, before doing so, I was able to take six weeks of unpaid leave, during which I travelled to Brazil and Argentina. I really appreciated this opportunity as it enabled me to return to work refreshed and eager to start qualified life.

Since starting back in April, I have been involved in a range of transactional and advisory matters for both public and private companies. Within the corporate team there is a real emphasis upon encouraging newly qualified lawyers to get involved in a diverse range of work and transactions. To this end, although not typical within my team, I have been involved in a billion-dollar bond issue for a major client, while simultaneously advising on a smaller scale merger. At the same time, it should be stated that the team recognise that you don't suddenly know everything overnight upon qualification and there is a continued emphasis upon training and career development.

While at Lovells, I have been lucky to be involved in various other activities. I have managed to take on pro bono matters (including representing a client at an employment tribunal) and I am a member of both the rugby and cricket teams at Lovells, both of which play in a City league. The cricket team also plays numerous matches against some of our bigger clients. These matches represent a fantastic opportunity to build client relationships outside the work place and are openly encouraged within Lovells.

All in all, I really would recommend a career at Lovells. In addition to the excellent training that it offers and the high standard of work, the people you will work with at Lovells, and the opportunities to participate in activities outside of work, make it a fun and challenging environment in which to develop your career.