1. What drew you to this firm?

Travers Smith's reputation for high quality work, its inclusive environment and its strong sense of identity.

2. What areas have you worked in?

My first seat was in Banking & Corporate Recovery. Currently I am in Litigation and I will shortly begin my third seat in Corporate, in the firm's Paris office.

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

My seat in Banking & Corporate Recovery provided an opportunity to gain experience in two distinct but related areas of law. My work involved carrying out research, drafting an administrator's witness statement, registering security with Companies House, drafting board minutes and shareholder resolutions and attending internal and external meetings with clients and the 'other side'.

In Litigation my work was also incredibly varied and included attending court hearings, taking attendance notes, carrying out research, contributing to client advice notes and reviewing contracts and settlement agreements. Again, the teams I worked with included me in both internal meetings, during which we discussed the progression of the matter, and client meetings whenever possible.

4. What clients have you done work for?

I have been involved in work for a variety of clients from a broad range of sectors, including banks and well-known corporates. Travers Smith's diverse client base and successful international strategy also mean that the work often involves an international element and liaising with overseas counsel.

5. Have you had much client contact?

My level of client contact has naturally varied depending on the particular client and matter. I have attended client meetings and have sometimes been asked to provide input at those meetings on points on which I have carried out research and about which I have particular knowledge.

6. Have you been given much responsibility?

Travers Smith really encourages each trainee to take on as much responsibility as they are able to handle, although the level inevitably depends to some degree on the nature of the work. I have found that my level of responsibility has increased as I have gained more experience in each seat and become more able to progress matters on my own.

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

Training is provided through both formal and informal channels. Partners and associates deliver regular training sessions for the trainees in their department, and training is also provided through department-wide meetings and seminars.

The firm's strong emphasis on training is illustrated by its room sharing system - each trainee sits in a room with a partner and one or two associates. The room sharing system allows trainees to learn directly from observing others and encourages a more natural training process. It also creates a non-hierarchical atmosphere in which trainees feel entirely comfortable asking questions and joining in discussions (work-related or otherwise).

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

My hours vary depending on the particular matters I am working on. It is a team environment so we all pitch in to ensure that the work is completed on time, which may involve long hours, but unless there is an urgent deadline we leave at a decent hour. There are no billing targets, and there is no expectation that anyone should hang around when their work is done.

9. How have you received feedback about your performance?

Trainees receive individual reviews from their supervisor (a partner or senior associate who sits in the same room) half way through and at the end of each seat, and a further individual review at the same stages with the two Training Principals. The supervisors and Training Principals will base the reviews on their own observations as well as comments from others in the department. Trainees also receive informal feedback on an ongoing basis from people they are working with and with whom they share a room.

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

The culture at Travers Smith is open, supportive and inclusive. We have a genuinely open-door policy and frequently work with people in different rooms, so there is no issue with wandering in and out of other partners' rooms. The working environment inevitably varies a little across the firm but overall there is a strong "team" atmosphere where everyone works hard to contribute towards a collective goal.

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

Travers Smith attracts friendly, interesting and intelligent people who are genuinely interested in their work but also know how (and when) to switch off and enjoy life outside of the office.

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

Be yourself; there is no such thing as the "Travers Smith type".