Deciding whether you want to train as a barrister, a solicitor or something completely different can be an overwhelming process. Even when you have decided that you would like to become a City lawyer, it can be difficult to differentiate between the firms and to work out what you, and they, are looking for. I ultimately chose Hogan Lovells after completing a vacation scheme. You can learn a lot when you see things from the inside, and, for me, I learned that it's Hogan Lovells' people who make the firm a great place to train.Colleagues: Hogan Lovells is a large firm in terms of its number of lawyers, but on my vacation scheme I felt that trainees were given genuine opportunities to get involved and stand out. The atmosphere in the departments was really positive and I felt like I could ask lots of questions. Since starting my training contract I have felt valued as a member of the team, and associates and partners alike always thank me for my work - important when everything else feels like such a steep learning curve! I have met lots of like-minded people, but definitely not one 'type'. I think the diversity in people's background and experience not only makes things more interesting, but serves the firm well in delivering high-quality, value-added legal advice.

International: I was attracted to the idea of working at an international law firm, liaising with colleagues in the overseas offices and with the opportunity of seconding abroad. In my first two months at the firm I have already worked on several deals with international dimensions and have instructed overseas counsel in reviewing some of our documents. I hope to apply for an international secondment later in my training contract, which would provide a great opportunity to see how differently business is conducted in another jurisdiction.The work: From the start of my training contract, alongside the routine document management, I have been given rigorous and challenging tasks and crucially, responsibility. Sending emails direct to the client is scarier than it sounds but also empowering, and I have been impressed at how willing associates and partners have been to give me discrete tasks to run with.Probably one of the most challenging things I have been involved with was a domestic violence pro bono case. I was aware when I applied to Hogan Lovells that the firm has an award-winning pro bono centre, and since I've started I have seen why. The particular case I volunteered for involved me interviewing the client, drafting the affidavit, attending court and following everything up afterwards. It was quite labour-intensive, but I know I've learnt a huge amount from it.Applying: I would recommend applying for a vacation scheme at all of the firms you are interested in, as it definitely takes you one step closer to knowing what each firm is genuinely like. Throughout the application process you can pick up a lot about the atmosphere of the firm and start to whittle down a list of your own 'core values' and what you are looking for.Ultimately, Hogan Lovells struck me as an exciting place to train. The offices are great, the people are dynamic and interesting, and the work is challenging. There are opportunities to stand out as an individual and people who will recognise you and reward you for doing so.