9.00am: I try to get into the office reasonably early so that I have time to read through emails and scan the news online before the day really kicks off. A surprising number of news stories touch on aspects of employment law and I print out an article to discuss at the next employment update meeting. I then spend a few minutes chatting with people in the department - the atmosphere in the office is really friendly and I feel very much a part of the team.

9.30am: My supervisor, Daniel Isaac, arrives and, over a cup of tea, we discuss the day ahead. I bemoan my football team's most recent dreadful performance and he recounts the latest amusing antics of his children. I share a room with Daniel, with whom I work directly and who oversees my progress. Daniel's experience and position as a partner mean that he is always able to offer guidance and to answer any queries I may have, no matter how apparently basic or trivial!

9.45am: Having consulted my to-do list, I see that my most pressing task will be to draft a contract dealing with maternity leave cover for a well-known charitable foundation. I begin by searching online for background material, then check the applicable statutory wording and locate a relevant precedent on our know-how system.

10.00am: One of the great things about training at Withers is that, as a medium-sized firm, trainees are regularly trusted with significant responsibilities, including dealing directly with clients. I telephone the client foundation to elicit the information I need to start drafting the contract.

10.15am: It had become apparent that the contract will have to include an unusual provision, so I email the fee-earners in my department to check whether there is anything I need to be particularly aware of. I can now start tailoring the precedent to suit the client's particular requirements.

1.00pm: With drafting well under way, and as lunchtime looms, I go down to the cafeteria where several of the other trainees have already gathered. Most of us get together for lunch each day, which provides a chance to hear about what is going on in the other departments, as well as to catch up on what various people have planned for the weekend.

1.45pm: Returning to my desk I see that a senior assistant has sent me some information that is likely to be useful in finalising the contract. I add this to my working notes to be integrated later, before dashing to join a 2pm training session. These in-house sessions are led by fee-earners and their focused but informal style offers plenty of opportunity for interaction and follow-up.

3.00pm: I return to complete the draft contract which I then give to my supervisor for review. Daniel suggests some minor modifications, and, once the changes are made, I send the document to the client.

4.45pm: A partner in the employment team calls to invite me to join her at a meeting with a new client. Elaine briefs me on the background. While Elaine advises the client, I sit in and take an attendance note. Once the formal meeting has come to an end the client stays on for a few minutes to tell us enthusiastically about his company's latest product.

6.15pm: Back in my office, I dictate the note of the meeting and send it to be transcribed.

6.30pm: Having checked with my supervisor that nothing else needs urgent attention, I see from my emails that several fellow trainees have arranged to meet at a nearby bar. As I shall shortly be moving to the firm's Milan office for my next seat, and another trainee is about to leave for the Hong Kong office, I take advantage of one of the last opportunities to have a beer with them before heading home.