I read law at Cambridge University and graduated in 2005. I then took a year out and decided to gain some experience of life in a commercial law firm by spending eight months working as a paralegal in a magic circle firm. I embarked on the LPC at Oxford Institute of Legal Practice in 2006 and started my training contract with what was then Kendall Freeman in September 2007.

When it came to applying for training contracts, the firm was an obvious choice for me. I had for a long time been determined to pursue a career in law, but was uncertain about whether to take the barrister or the solicitor route. I was attracted by the element of team work associated with solicitor firms, yet also relished the opportunity to put my mooting skills into practice. The firm offered the best of both worlds; a strong collegiate environment coupled with an enthusiasm for training Solicitor-Advocates.

When I arrived for my interview, the first thing that struck me was how friendly everyone at the firm was. I was instantly made to feel at ease, which made the whole experience much less daunting. I was interviewed by a partner and the Director of HR, and although some of the questions were tough, the atmosphere was again one of friendly encouragement. By the time the topic of conversation came round to football, or specifically my views on Rooney's move to United (being an Everton fan this was a topic that I felt particularly strongly about) I was certain that Kendall Freeman was the right place for me.

I qualified into the Employment Group in June 2009 and have continued to be exposed to a whole range of work. On the contentious side I have been involved in a variety of cases, from constructive unfair dismissal claims to sex, race and disability discrimination claims. A highlight of this was spending two and a half weeks in Exeter when we acted for the NSPCC in defending a disability discrimination claim. We managed to achieve a great result for our client and the claim was reduced to a fraction of its worth.

On the non-contentious side I have helped to advise companies on the effects of proposed mergers and acquisitions in light of the TUPE regulations, which included devising ingenious strategies for avoiding the effects of these Regulations. I have also helped to advise employees on the terms of their proposed contracts of employment and at the other end I helped to negotiate the terms of compromise agreements. I was really given the opportunity to develop my legal skills during the employment seat and was given a fantastic amount of responsibility with just the right amount of guidance and supervision. One of the best aspects was the amount of client contact I had; I attended several meetings a week with my supervisor and led parts of some meetings and telephone conferences.

I was recently involved in some pro bono work for a charity that, as a result of some negligent legal advice, was facing a claim for sex discrimination. I managed to settle the claim, which was worth £14,000, for just over £1,000. I have also had the opportunity to help at Fair Trials International, which is a charitable organisation that helps people who have suffered miscarriages of justice outside their home countries.

One key thing about being a trainee at EAPD is it's not all about work: trainees play an active role in the organisation of various social events and I was on the committee organising the trainee winter party, to which both present and future trainees were invited. EAPD lawyers are a sociable bunch, and there are no shortage of opportunities to let your hair down. Since there are only ever 15 or 16 trainees, it's easy to get to know everyone and there is never a shortage of people to go for post-work drinks with. Recent social highlights include the EAPD World Cup, which was a 5-a-side tournament where trainees battled against partners, associates and support staff in a grudge match of epic proportions!

Overall, the firm is a great place to work. The clients are of the highest calibre, the work is interesting and the training is exemplary. Levels of excellence are achieved in a very personal, supportive working environment and there is no rigid hierarchy to prevent anyone from being approachable. Other City firms would be well advised to follow suit.