8.45am: I arrive at the office and check my emails. I am part of a team, made up of lawyers of all levels from the London, Washington and Beijing offices, which is conducting an internal investigation for a client into alleged bribery and corruption of foreign public officials. My involvement to date has been to review documents to establish the facts but this morning I have been asked to attend a telephone interview with one of the key persons involved. This is a fast-paced and exciting project. The subject matter is extremely pertinent in light of recent, and pending, legal reform and the client has given us a tight timeframe within which to work.

10.15am: The telephone interview was both eventful and extremely informative, and it has taught me a lot about how to ask the most effective questions. The supervising lawyer, a partner in the Washington office, who conducted the interview, seeks my opinion regarding the information that we have learnt. In my experience, one of the features of being a Covington trainee is that you are expected to demonstrate initiative and your views are actively sought out and valued.

10.30am: I return to my desk. I have been instructed to prepare a summary of the key points of the telephone interview and a formal attendance note. I review my notes and I prepare the summary. The supervising associate reviews my work and provides me with a mark-up with minor amendments.

12.45pm: I play netball for the firm team, the 'Covington Cupcakes'. Today, we have a crucial match against another law firm. Having changed into my Covington kit, which a partner kindly bought for us at Christmas, I head down to reception to meet up with the rest of the team. The match is closely fought, but we emerge victorious. I find this a great way to stretch my legs and to catch up with colleagues in an informal setting.

2.15pm: I have volunteered to assist with some work for a potential new pro bono client. I meet with the associate, who is supervising me on this project, to obtain my instructions. Trainees are actively encouraged to take on pro bono work, as it provides an excellent opportunity to access early responsibility and to enhance professional development.

3.00pm: My supervisor asks me to draft a without prejudice save as to costs letter in reply to correspondence we have received in an ongoing contentious matter. This is a creative task and I am urged to put my own stamp on the letter. As a Covington trainee, I have been given challenging work and have been entrusted with early responsibility, which I find is an effective and valuable way to learn. At the same time, there is a robust support system in place. Covington truly has an 'open door' policy and the other lawyers with whom I work are always willing to answer questions and give guidance where needed.

5.30pm: I am currently assisting my supervisor in writing a chapter on ad hoc arbitration. I have already completed my research and now I begin a first draft of the chapter. This is another good opportunity to practise my drafting skills.

7.00pm: I check with my supervisor and the associates with whom I am working that there is nothing more that I need to do tonight. I jot down the tasks that I plan to tackle tomorrow and, once again, head down to reception. I am meeting with the other members of the dispute resolution practice group for celebratory drinks. The drinks are to toast two of the second-year trainees, who will be joining dispute resolution as associates upon qualification.