8.00am: I get into the office early - I don't have to, I just like to. I make a coffee, check my emails and go through my to-do list.

9.00am: Today marks a significant day for a matter I have been assisting an associate with. With a trial date fast approaching we have been engaged in complicated and protracted settlement negotiations. We have a court disclosure deadline of 4.00pm and the pressure is on to reach a commercially viable settlement agreement for our client. I start with a flurry of emails and telephone calls to the other side. I liaise with the supervising associate to discuss each new development and present my thoughts on the next steps. She agrees with my approach and leaves me to negotiate the final settlement agreement.

11.30am: After the success of the early morning it's down to drafting some possession proceedings. This is new to me, so I've asked a colleague to give me a case example as a precedent before I get down to working on my first draft.

1.00pm: Lunch is between half an hour to an hour, depending on the day. It's a chance to catch up with people in my team or head out with some of the other trainees.

2.00pm: Training on the Bribery Act. This training offers insight into a whole new piece of legislation and the practical and commercial impact of its implementation. It raises interesting points about how implementation of the Act may affect our clients and offers insight into the challenges involved in enforcing this legislation across various jurisdictions and industries.

3.00pm: I have been given a small task by my supervisor. She is one of the associates here at Wragge & Co. It is some simple advocacy, which involves going to court and presenting an application to the judge. My supervisor encourages me to attend court at every available opportunity as it is a fantastic way of building up my experience and confidence.

3.30pm: I'm helping a colleague with a disclosure list for a trial they're working on. I review the file and compile a bundle of relevant documents in preparation for disclosure to the other side. As this task involves a careful review of the file it is a great way of getting to grips with the minutiae of a case.

4.00pm: A solicitor on the other side calls to confirm that they have received a letter I sent earlier in the week. I provide clarification on a number of points in the letter and the solicitor informs me that he will liaise with his client. I update the supervising partner on my conversation and pop a diary entry into my calendar to chase for a response in two weeks time. I speak with clients and representatives from the other side on a daily basis. Although initially it proved a little intimidating, my colleagues are always at hand to offer support and guidance so I have never felt out of my depth.

5.00pm: I am meeting with a solicitor in my team who asks me to produce instructions to counsel and a case summary in preparation for a case management conference early next week. My colleague provides a brief rundown of the case and what we seek to achieve at the conference. Attention to detail is imperative so I review the file and make notes of any significant dates and events before compiling my instructions and summary.

6.00pm: I usually finish at 6.30pm, but I am taking part in a 10k sponsored walk with a substantial number of other Wragge & Co employees and representatives from the Birmingham legal community. We do a lot of community and charity work here, and I really enjoy getting involved. The walk just happens to end at the pub. It's never all work and no play here at Wragge & Co!