1. What drew you to this firm?

Commitment by the firm to fostering individuality and yet achieving a collective goal. When I joined, the firm had a real sense of collective optimism that has gone from strength to strength with the success and ambition demonstrated over the past two years. It's a firm that is going places and I was enticed by the opportunities available as a result.

2. What areas have you worked in?

I have done two seats so far, both in our insurance department. These were Property & Casualty Insurance and Financial Risks Insurance.

3. What type of work have you done in each of these areas?

Given that the two departments in which I have sat so far have been contentious, I have worked on all aspects of litigation. This has included preparing court documents such as witness statement, bundles, applications and cost schedules (including Precedent H forms). I have also been fortunate enough to attend mediations and trials and have gone before a Master on a number of occasions.

The nature of litigation also involves a great deal of communication and I am consistently involved with drafting letters and calling various people. Another regular aspect of my work has been legal research. This has ranged from quite specific insurance law precedents to wider industry and legal sector developments such as the Jackson Reforms.

4. What clients have you done work for?

The firm's insurance clients include a great portion of the London Market. The clients are generally members of the claims teams within these entities.

5. Have you had much client contact?

Yes – plenty. I ran around 20 of my own files during my first seat and have attended on many clients in my second seat, both physically and through correspondence. I have also been able to meet a number of clients socially, through large scale RPC events (for example our annual party for the insurance industry) and more informal functions. Before commencing my training contract, I also spent six months in the Compliance department at a client of the firm.

6. Have you been given much responsibility?

Yes. As well as the above I have also been trusted with important tasks such as drafting witness statements and legal agreements and undertaken other responsibilities such as liaising with the court, third parties and solicitors on the other side. The firm's ethos is to delegate as much responsibility as possible down to junior members, subject obviously to their capability and willingness to get involved, which is a real plus for personal development.

7. What type of training have you undertaken at the firm?

A variety of formal legal training, such as through external providers such as the College of Law; more general skills training both internally and externally; insurance training including visits to Lloyd's; and, of course, general training through performing on the job.

8. What hours do you generally work? What is expected?

In general at the moment 8.30am to 8.00pm, but I know it varies massively depending on what work is on. In terms of expectations, in insurance departments, which tend to operate on a consistent working day model, this is more than generally required. I have heard that in Corporate, it is much more cyclical however…and will find out shortly.

9. How have you received feedback about your performance?

There are formal review processes every three months conducted by a Partner and often with a senior associate, too. Given the open plan nature of the office, it is always easy to approach someone and be approached and usually after each piece of work I am provided with either verbal and/or written feedback in the way of amends. People take a real interest in development and in the main take the time to explain things when corrections need to be made.

10. How would you describe the culture and working environment within the firm?

The culture is very good on the whole. People are extremely friendly and supportive, the facilities are superb and there is a general atmosphere of seriousness but with multiple opportunities for firm networking. These include a wide range of sports fixtures, regular drinks, inter-house competitions or just impromptu catch-ups on the floors.

11. What do you like most about working for the firm?

Interesting, top end work but conducted in a human fashion. The people are generally responsive to pressures and are willing to assist and help each other at all times. It does feel like a team effort and old fashioned hierarchies and cliques are non-existent.

12. What tips would you give to someone applying to your firm?

Be prepared to work hard and have fun. Embrace the opportunities available and get stuck in.

13. Any other comments?

The state of the art building for the London office, designed by Richard Rogers, embodies RPC's ambition, status and transparent culture. Also, the international expansion to Singapore and Hong Kong, as well as the office in Bristol, have provided other strings to RPC's bow and will lead to significant opportunities in the future.