I was initially attracted to Taylor Wessing by its strong reputation across a broad range of practice areas and the quality of its client base. I was keen to be involved in high quality work but I didn't want to be part of a huge trainee intake and the fact that Taylor Wessing recruits a relatively small number of trainees (circa 22) was also appealing. In addition to this, Taylor Wessing's status as an international law firm distinguished it from the other firms that I considered.

When I attended my interview at the firm, the friendly atmosphere struck me and I knew immediately that I had found the place at which I wanted to complete my training contract.

I spent my first seat in Real Estate and my second seat in Pensions. I am currently sitting in the Trade Marks, Copyright and Media group.

In my Real Estate seat, I spent a significant amount of my time working with a client who was the developer of a large shopping centre. I assisted in negotiating and drafting the agreements for lease and leases with the tenants; many were well-established high street names. I also undertook due diligence on the properties which were involved in several corporate transactions and drafted a number of deeds of variation to existing leases.

During my time in Pensions, I was involved in a high court case where the trustees of a pension scheme applied to the court for directions on how to distribute a pension surplus. Pensions law is constantly evolving and I undertook research on a number of new pieces of legislation and considered the effect that any changes in the law would have on our clients. I also attended trustee meetings and conferences with Counsel and drafted various deeds, which varied the governing documentation of pension schemes.

In my current seat in Trade Marks, Copyright and Media, I do a broad range of work which includes assisting with trade mark registration, drafting letters to parties who are infringing the intellectual property rights of our clients and reviewing agreements made between sports clubs and their players.

I have done work for a number of clients including a large credit card company and large companies which are household names.

The great thing about Taylor Wessing is that partners and associates make a real effort to ensure that trainees benefit from as much client contact as possible. I regularly speak to clients on the telephone and have been invited to attend client meetings and sit in on conference calls. Trainees are also encouraged to attend client entertainment events, which is helpful as business development is an important part of a solicitor's work.

It's very important as a trainee that your firm gives you enough responsibility to challenge you and enable you to develop your skills whilst at the same time providing an appropriate degree of supervision. Taylor Wessing gets the balance right and I have handled a few small matters almost independently, particularly during my Real Estate seat. However, I have always found my supervisors to be more than willing to answer questions.

The Firm organises an extensive programme of training. All compulsory elements (such as the Financial and Business Skills Course, Professional Conduct and Client Care and the Advocacy Course) are run in-house, with an external lecturer coming to the Firm to teach.

We have also had training on the financial and money markets in the City, which included a day at the London Stock Exchange. Each practice group has a series of induction courses for the trainees and these are a good introduction to the type of work done and a great opportunity to meet other people in the group.

We also receive training and ongoing assistance on all the computer systems and applications – including a hotline to the IT helpdesk, which all trainees make use of when they start!

There is also the opportunity to learn a language. The Firm currently pays for anyone wishing to learn German or French and lessons cater from absolute beginners to advanced speakers.

This depends entirely on the practice group in which you are sitting, but generally I would say that throughout my training contract my average working hours have been 9.00am to 6.30pm. Obviously, in busier periods you are expected to work longer hours and pitch in where needed in order to support your team, but "all nighters" are not common.

Every seat is punctuated with a mid seat appraisal (after 3 months) and a final seat appraisal. My supervisors have given me objectives to work towards in my mid seat appraisal and have then assessed my progress at the end of my seat. They also liaised with other members of the practice group I worked with in order to get an all round view of my progress.

As well as these formal appraisals, the partners and associates I have worked for have also been very good at providing informal feedback on individual pieces of work, which is a very useful learning tool.

It is a very collegiate and friendly firm to work at. There is a real sense that we work as a team and all members of the team are important. Every practice group makes an effort to involve the trainees as much as possible and if you volunteer your willingness to help out, they will take advantage of that and really get you involved. An importance is also placed on maintaining a realistic work – life balance.

I enjoy being treated as a valuable member of the team and being recognised for my hard work. The Firm will often add the names of trainees on press releases about work, which is unusual recognition for trainees. I like the fact that the approach to work is sensible and that we only work late when necessary.

Finally, this is an extremely friendly place to work and all members are approachable. You are here to learn and develop your skills as a lawyer and the working environment is conducive to this.

I would recommend them to do their research and be enthusiastic. As the Firm invests a lot of time and effort in the development of their trainees, it is important to show that you will also make an effort and contribute to its work and long term objectives.

Vacation schemes are a great way to get your foot in the door and also ensure that the Firm at which you choose to complete your training contract is right for you. They also look great on your CV. If you are unable to secure a place on any vacation schemes, then any kind of legal work experience is useful to show that you have made a well-informed decision regarding your career.

I would also advise spending time on the application form - make sure that the answers are well thought out, intelligent and catered to the firm you are applying to. Finally, it is important to have good commercial and general awareness, especially in the current economic climate - they will test this at the interview. The best way to gain such awareness is to read a broadsheet or perhaps the Economist .