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Choosing the right City law firm is not an easy task. My advice is to remain open-minded but to trust your instincts when visiting or deciding on a firm. Cultures can vary considerably, so when visiting don't be afraid to ask important questions, even if it seems difficult at the time. Try also to gain a comprehensive 'feel' for various firms by attending vacation schemes, open days and meeting firm representatives.

During my scholarship to study International Business at university in the United States, I undertook a 16-week internship with a Philadelphia law firm. This afforded me a tremendous opportunity to gain experience of the US judicial system and meet a diverse range of clients whom I assisted when attending private meetings and making court preparations. However, I realised well before my placement had ended, that I did not intend to continue working at the firm after being called to the bar. This invaluable experience had enabled me to understand what I was not necessarily looking for in a firm.

Having built a strong international dimension to my academic studies and being a qualified US Attorney, I was immediately drawn to Lovells by the firm's truly global capabilities and genuine breadth of practice. Even prior to commencing my training contract, I was deeply impressed by the professionalism, collegiality and warmth of the Lovells staff in both London and New York. An infectious sense of pride in being part of the Lovells' worldwide team is shared by staff at every level. For me, this was extremely important and it went a long way to differentiate Lovells from the other international firms I had visited. The firm also agreed to support me through the QLTT (Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test) examinations that I was required to sit prior to my admittance to the roll of solicitors.

Quality of training is taken very seriously here and as a trainee you will be challenged. You will be encouraged to think critically and to provide clients with creative commercial solutions, not just legal ones. The learning curve in my first seat in the Financial Institutions Group has been steep, and while I have been heavily involved in important client matters from the outset, fantastic support from the team is always at hand should you feel stuck or overwhelmed.

My current department has an intellectually-charged atmosphere but this has never come at the expense of approachability, common sense and good humour. There may well be stressful times, late nights and difficult clients on occasion, but that comes with the territory of being a City lawyer. Interestingly, it was during these times that I have gained the best measure of my department and the firm. My opinion and contribution has always been valued as has my place as a trainee in the team. This has enabled me to take genuine enjoyment from the work I do and for me that is arguably the most important consideration of all.