A career in law (or any service profession) means stress is more or less a given, whether it be as a result of exacting clients, time pressures or stomach-turning moments when you think you've made a mistake or shredded an original document. However, at the outset of your career your colleagues should be there to ease that pressure and teach you how to deal with it. Some firms clearly advocate a more in-at-the-deep end approach, so be honest with yourself and decide what you think you can handle. Trainees at Blake Lapthorn feel that the firm equips them well to cope with the pressures of life as a solicitor: 'I am exposed to a high degree of client contact and have been encouraged to get involved with deals from the start. This really makes you feel like part of the team and boosts your confidence massively.' Another says 'the firm is committed to giving us quality training and making sure we are well prepared for life as an NQ'. Tunbridge Wells-based Cripps Harries Hall LLP is a 'friendly and open firm where the support for trainees is very good', with one saying 'I'm encouraged to take on responsibility but there's always a good support network'. It's a similar story at jointly-placed Burges Salmon LLP and Boyes Turner. Burges Salmon LLP will give you 'the opportunity to get involved in a huge range of quality work in a very stable, supportive environment'. At Boyes Turner 'I get the chance of being thrown in at the deep end, but always with a float in the shape of the excellent supervision'. This sums up the ideal approach – responsibility within a supportive environment – and is certainly the case at Prettys where 'we're given a lot of responsibility whilst not overloaded. Partners are concerned with our well being'. West End firm Boodle Hatfield takes a novel approach by offering 'free yoga classes on Tuesdays' - obviously a great stress buster! Pannone too, with a well-earned reputation as a caring, responsible employer knows how to keep its staff happy: 'hard work and good results are rewarded. Happy employees are productive employees'. 'All the cakes for birthdays, holidays and just sometimes because it is a Tuesday' also help!