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It may sound cliché but I think the culture of the firm is its biggest selling point. Like most big City firms we work with blue-chip clients and on important and challenging deals, but I think it's important to remember that you will be spending a lot of time wherever you work, and the atmosphere in the office and the relationships that you build with those around you will make a really big difference to your experience, and consequently to the quality of lawyer that you become. There really is a strong team spirit at Lovells and a genuinely cheerful working environment.

It wasn't long into my vacation scheme at Lovells that I decided that this was the firm for me. Compared with other schemes I had been on, I was impressed with the willingness of all the lawyers and support staff to offer guidance and assistance when required as well as the fact that I was given interesting and challenging roles rather than being left to do mindless tasks. I am pleased to say that my experience since then has been largely similar

I am currently in my first seat in the Consumer Finance and Retail Banking team within the Corporate group. If I'm honest, I didn't really know much about what the team did when I joined, so I was glad that from the outset, various members of the team were happy to take the time to give me all the background detail I needed. We also have weekly team meetings in which we get regular updates about the work being done by others in the group, which really makes you feel part of the team rather than "just a trainee". Although it has been a steep learning curve, and at times very demanding, I really have appreciated the quality of the work that I have been given and feel that I have gained significantly from the experience.

I also think it's important to realise that it's not all just work, work, work. There are no end of opportunities to get involved in sporting and other social activities. Furthermore, the TSLC (Trainee Solicitor Liaison Committee) organises a number of parties and other social activities throughout the year, which are always good fun and enable trainees to catch up with each other and let our hair down. The circus themed firm-wide summer party was also a particular sight to behold!