Profile

Like many 'would be' lawyers, I didn't take a very selective approach to recruitment - I fired off applications to every big London law firm without really appreciating what caused one to stand apart from another. Although I had participated in two vacation schemes at other firms, the only direct contact I had had with Lovells prior to making my decision was during the selection process itself. So what made me choose Lovells.

I was hugely impressed by the firm on the selection day. It was clear that extremely high quality work was on offer, and that the firm was serious about providing an excellent level of training. However, it was the people I met that really made my mind up for me. I instantly felt I was able to be myself - Lovells seemed to be a place where you could easily fit in.

Now, mid-way through my first seat, I think these initial convictions have turned out to be the main reasons why my integration into the firm has been so easy and, dare I say it, enjoyable. The training provided has been conceived with the ambition to get all the trainees fully equipped with both an understanding of how the firm operates and with the skills to tackle top-quality work with the necessary confidence. By way of example, within my dispute resolution seat, I have attended numerous seminars on the various aspects of the litigation process and I am about to attend a three-day advocacy course. I have also been given the opportunity to partake in a voluntary business course, which aims to give trainees an understanding of the wider commercial and corporate context in which they operate.

For my part, I have found everyone at Lovells both helpful and supportive. The partner I work with made it very clear to me early on that his door was always open if I had any queries or even if I just wanted to discuss something I found interesting about the case I was working on. I think this is really important. At any major law firm there will be spells where you are asked to work challenging hours, but it sweetens the pill when you know that you will be working alongside people whom you not only get along well with, but whom you can also count upon to offer you support as and when you need it.

Since March, I have been working within the Insurance and Reinsurance Dispute Resolution practice. It has been, and continues to be, an extremely steep learning curve. Since my arrival I have been involved in mediation, have been working on arbitration, and have also had the chance to do some Pro Bono work for the Royal British Legion relating to the War Pensions Appeal Tribunal. A typical day might involve doing some research on a point of law, producing a note of a meeting, drafting correspondence to the client or to the other side or helping to prepare for disclosure. Something new seems to land on my desk on a regular basis, which has kept me on my toes!