A summer placement is a great way to get your foot in the door, even if it does mean postponing that trip around the world. Once you're here, there's plenty of chance to gain experience in different parts of the country - we're the only law firm with offices in all three UK jurisdictions (as well as the Falkland Islands).

We believe in balancing hard work with enjoyment. Every graduate benefits from a structured training programme designed to help you achieve your best. But you'll also get plenty of informal encouragement, whether it's from fellow recruits or the most senior partners.

A sense of realism is important in any graduate who joins us. You need to be ready to roll your sleeves up and take on the routine tasks as well as the exciting stuff. But a positive attitude works wonders too. You're actively in charge of the way your career develops and you really do get out what you put in.

We enjoy recruiting individuals with their own ideas, especially those with experience of areas beyond law. But that approach only works because people recognise they are part of something bigger. There's a strong culture of mutual support here, as well as a sense of fun.

But making a difference is what makes it worthwhile. We like to invest time in helping the communities of which we are a part. Which is why we allow our staff half a working day every month to volunteer within their local communities. It may mean working that bit harder, but the sense of achievement is all the greater.

From proofreading to photocopying, we're not going to pretend there's no humdrum stuff involved as a trainee. But there's a reason why these tasks require a legal mind. Your knowledge of the documents could make you the most important member of the team.