Briony Worthing

Degree: Law, Manchester University

Joined Lovells: February 2007

Doing now: Currently on secondment to SCB

Office location: London

Profile (as at March 2008)

After spending three weeks at Lovells on a summer vacation placement, I knew it was the right firm for me and so I didn't hesitate to cancel my other interviews as soon as I received a training contract offer. I found the standout factor at the firm was the people. I had spent time at other law firms but nowhere else had all of the staff, Partners included, taken the time to explain and involve me in their work to such an extent. From previous experience I expected to be given files on past transactions to read through and perhaps the opportunity to observe the odd meeting; however from day one I found I had the opportunity to help my supervisors with their workload. I was given various tasks such as writing to clients and conducting legal and financial research. It was very rewarding to feel that I was adding value, and my supervisors were supportive, encouraging me to ask questions whenever I needed to.

This high level of responsibility was maintained from the very start of my training contract - I spent my first seat in the Planning team within the Real Estate Department and during my first week I was involved in the drafting, filing and service of documents in a high profile judicial review. I was given the opportunity to play an active role in preparing for the case in the three months leading up to the hearing. I also managed roughly fifteen of my own property files during the seat. This did seem a pretty daunting prospect at first, but the satisfaction of a client seeing you as their first point of contact at the firm is incredibly rewarding. Having the opportunity to be involved in work at this level demonstrates the level of faith Lovells has in its trainees.

My next six months were spent in the Financial Institutions Group where the majority of my work was on one of the UK's largest ever insurance intermediary administration agreements, which involved the transfer of 3000 staff in the UK and India. Attending the signing at the client's offices was a highlight! I am currently one week into my seat in City Litigation and have so far been in court every day with the Lovells team working on what will be one of the biggest litigation cases of the year. It has taken over two years to prepare for trial and I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to get involved at this stage.

The level of responsibility I have been given throughout my training contract combined with the outstanding quality of the work assures me that I made the right choice in deciding to train at Lovells. If I had to give one piece of advice to applicants, it would be to try and spend time at several firms and decide where you would feel most valued. At Lovells I genuinely felt the firm wanted me and made the effort to make me feel welcome because of this, and that makes a real difference. Also, once you have decided where you want to go, consider whether you want to take some time out ? snorkelling around the Whitsunday's was a great way to celebrate the end of my studies and recharge my batteries before starting work!