Having studied physiological sciences at university I was keen to work at a firm where I could make use of my science degree. I investigated firms which specialised in Intellectual Property and was very interested to see that Bird & Bird had such a strong reputation in this field. The international aspect of the firm appealed to me, along with the clear sector focus and strength in the areas it chooses to specialise.

Following my application I was invited to an assessment day which was my first real contact with the firm. Out of all the training contract interviews I went to, I felt most at ease with the interviewers from Bird & Bird and that it was a time for me to find out more about the firm, as well as for them to get to know me. It was an excellent insight into the people at Bird & Bird and I felt the firm was both welcoming and enthusiastic.

After accepting my offer of a training contract I had plenty of contact with various members of the firm in the two years while I was studying for my GDL and LPC. The social events enabled me to meet people in my intake and the year above and I felt that the size of each intake meant the graduate recruitment team was interested in all of us as individuals. In addition to social events I had the opportunity to meet up with a ‘buddy’ in the run up to my arrival at the firm, which was useful for asking questions and understanding more about the firm. We were also kept up to date with events and news through the extranet which has been set up for future trainees and summer placement students.

Starting work at Bird & Bird has shown me that the instincts I had on the occasions when I met people from the firm were right and the atmosphere that the people create makes it an enjoyable place to work. The specialist clients whom the firm represents bring in an interesting mix of work that crosses all the departments and trainees are treated as part of the team from day one.