8.00am: I walk into the office and into the staff restaurant for some breakfast before I head upstairs. Today I have a number of tasks to get through and I am looking forward to the day. In reality, I can expect new twists and turns as the day progresses. My training contract is teaching me the importance of flexibility, time management and most importantly, working to meet targets.My supervisor is leaving for an external client meeting. I am starting research into the effects of provisions that have been newly incorporated into legislation governing limited liability partnerships. Before my supervisor leaves, she hands me some documents including instructions. I am required to carry out the client's instructions and discuss by the end of the day.10.00am: I read through the documents; the transaction relates to an equity investment. I need to draft some provisions for a loan note instrument and a security assets debenture to ensure they are tailored to meet the client's requirements. The timetable for this deal is tight, the client is keen to close the deal and the value of the deal is considerable. I feel like I am part of a focused team and I am excited at the prospect of being given considerable responsibility. This is a great opportunity for me to improve on my drafting, amongst other skills, and is a far stretch from the 'boring' work many expect a trainee to be laden with.

12.45pm: An email pops up on my screen; it's a group of fellow trainees inviting me to lunch. The weather is warm and there is an offer to sit outside the staff restaurant today. I head downstairs and we munch on lunch while talking about everything from the economic downturn to the prospects of qualification in a year's time. After some hearty laughter and conversation, I return to my desk.1.15pm: I continue drafting the provisions for the transaction documents. I also ensure that all the instructions left by the client are complied with; these include ensuring a company's compliance with the correct financial regulations. I complete this task, noting I have a concern in relation to the financial regulation point. I make a note to let my supervisor know.4.15pm: An associate asks for my help with some discrepancies arising in a company's share capital statements; this is in relation to a proposed acquisition. We decide that I should investigate the issues and provide some feedback on what I think. The issues here are serious and they involve a potential acquisition; my findings will affect the course of the transaction. I have been given a considerable amount of responsibility to ensure that the deal is closed successfully; I feel like I have a significant role to play. There are a lot of documents to go through, so I begin taking the first box of documents apart and I work my way through conscientiously. 6.15pm: My supervisor returns and I raise the financial regulation point with her. She agrees this is a concern. I place a call to the client, with whom I discuss my concerns and the surrounding issues. The client understands the position and we reach a positive solution that will be reflected in the documentation. I relay this to my supervisor. We agree this is an appropriate solution and agree certain amendments to the documentation.7.00pm: I email the client with updated versions of the documents and explanations of any amendments. We are ready to move to the next stage of the transaction.7.30pm: As I like to do, I leave a to-do list on my desk ready for tomorrow morning.