Amy qualified as a Solicitor in late 2009 and is working in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department. Below is an insight into her experiences as a trainee solicitor.

I began my traineeship with LK Shields Solicitors in 2007. The decision as to where I would train as a Solicitor was easy for me given the firm's impressive reputation and its reputable trainee programme. In terms of how the trainee programme operates, each trainee shares a room with a Partner or accomplished Solicitor (many of whom have been with the firm since they themselves were trainees) and these Partners and Solicitors act as our trainers and mentors.

At first, I thought that it might be a bit overwhelming to share a room with a Partner in the firm but I soon realised that it is a great way to acquire and develop the skills that are required of us in our profession.

Despite the relatively large size of the firm, my experience has been that the firm is committed to helping each trainee develop to their maximum potential. Due to the fact that trainees share an office with a Partner/ Solicitor we receive regular feedback on the work that we are doing and as a result I feel that my traineeship has been very much tailored towards ensuring my own professional development.

We are encouraged within the firm to attend in house seminars which are held regularly and which help to keep us up to date on important developments in the law. We are also encouraged to attend external courses and seminars which might be useful to us in our future careers.

I am currently working in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department where I have been given the opportunity to experience a huge variety of work that is both interesting and demanding. There is a culture in the firm whereby excellence and high quality of work are expected and I find that I am constantly required to take my work to the next level. This can be challenging at times but it is also extremely rewarding when you get it right!