I'm a first year trainee at Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge and I joined in September 2009.  Prior to this I had studied Law with Chinese Law at the University of Nottingham and the University of Hong Kong. I also completed a masters degree in International and European law at the University of Amsterdam. I then completed my Legal Practice Course at BPP Law School, Holborn.

When searching for potential training contracts, the international aspects of my academic years gave me a definite interest in international legal practice. This led me to Kendall Freeman (as it was then) and is something which I have found at Edwards Angell Palmer and Dodge. The post-merger developments within the firm have only served to broaden and enrich the pre-existing international focus at Kendall Freeman. I have already been struck by the breadth and variety of high level matters with an international element which the firm is involved in.

Another exciting development which the merger has brought to the firm are the new practice areas now being incorporated into the London office. The introduction of practices in intellectual property and private equity can only broaden the horizons of the trainees at the firm. When you combine that with the impressive roster of client secondments which are offered by the firm (including to Shell, Harrods and now the FSA) and the opportunity of working in one of the firm's international offices, it is clear that Edwards Angell Palmer and Dodge offers its trainees an exciting package.

A piece of advice I would give to those about to embark on a raft of training contract applications is to think about what you want to get out of your two year contract. I would suggest that a key factor should be about training and this is something that Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge have been commended on at industry awards time and time again. I also wanted to get my hands dirty and actually be engaged in the matters which the firm is involved in. Speaking from experience, as a trainee in his first month, a high level of involvement is something that is guaranteed at Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge from day one.

The assessment day was a rollercoaster, with a lot of nervous energy. One thing that remained constant, however, was the friendly and approachable manner of everyone we came into contact with. That’s not to say that the process was not thorough: it was! Throughout you felt that you were being challenged to give your best and really prove yourself. I was interviewed by a partner and the firm's marketing director and I felt that they had actually taken the time to read my application and take an interest in me as a person.

I know it sounds like a cliché, but as a trainee at Edwards Angell Palmer and Dodge you are not a number. The fact that the firm will only agree to take on eight trainees means that you will receive responsive, first-class training throughout (I'm not so sure I'll get this approach if I was at a firm with a larger number of trainees).

I am currently in my first seat in the Commercial Litigation team. I am happy to report that in the short time I have been with the firm I have felt welcomed by all those I have come into contact with. People are always willing to take time to help you understand a complex matter, a simple question of admin or just to see how you are getting on. It is this personal approach which helps the training at Edwards Angell Palmer and Dodge stand out from the crowd.