As a trainee I undertook a broad spectrum of work including assisting on cases heard at the Royal Courts of Justice, multi-million pound corporate deals and projects such as the rejuvenation of New Street train station.

I am a lawyer in the Employment, Pensions and Benefits Group having been promoted to Associate five years after I trained and qualified at DLA Piper.

I knew I had the skills suited to a legal career from academic subject choices and results, so I gave law a go and ended up knowing it was the right career path for me.

In 2001 I moved to Birmingham for a six-month secondment in our corporate department. I enjoyed it so much I never actually left.

I was attracted to Birmingham by the friendliness and openness of the people in the office – there’s a real lack of stuffiness here. When we’re busy I don’t think we work fewer hours than our colleagues in London. However, it’s enjoyable and we don't work hard for the sake of it, but for a purpose...