I was very impressed with the people I met during my interviews. They were intelligent, well-rounded and had an international outlook - the kind of people you really want to learn from.

The summer program was fantastic. People went out of their way to make it a meaningful experience both professionally and personally. A partner brought me along to a closing, and even though we were in a room full of other lawyers working to get the deal done, he took the time to talk me through each step of the process.

The size advantage works two ways here. You benefit from the breadth of an international firm; while the intimate scale of the US practice means responsibility and opportunity come early. In my first year, I gave a talk at a conference in Barcelona. I can't think of any friends at other firms who had a similar experience.

Now, in my second year, I'm involved in finance and corporate transactions and am part of a team that advises clients worldwide on US economic sanctions and export controls. On any given day my work could involve a major US investment bank based in Manhattan, a power plant in Pakistan, a Finnish metals company – or all three.

How would I define the Freshfields experience? Outstanding work. Extraordinary people. A supportive, collegial culture. And a great view of Central Park from my office.