....Sydney

Since the moment I arrived here, the city has exceeded all my expectations. It is located in the most beautiful natural environment imaginable. It has a buzzing centre and impressive skyscrapers, while also retaining the relaxed feel and the focus on an outdoor lifestyle that Australia is famous for. I cannot think of another city that offers such a perfect balance between a metropolitan and beach lifestyle. Best of all, it is a city which welcomes overseas visitors into its community with incredible warmth and enthusiasm.

Spending the final six months of my training contract in the corporate group at one of Slaughter’s ’best friend’ firms, Allens Arthur Robinson, has been a brilliant experience so far. I was very warmly welcomed to Allens, especially by the group of graduates who started on the same day as me. The continuing friendliness of all my colleagues, along with regular group lunches and drinks parties, has made settling in very easy. Although moving to the other side of the world and settling into another workplace may seem daunting, the great people I have met have ensured that I haven’t suffered with homesickness for a second.

Allens is a very impressive firm, with a wealth of high calibre lawyers and an impressive international client base. It is also a highly supportive work place, where a strong culture of teamwork ensures that young lawyers are given the right amount of responsibility and guidance. I have experienced a variety of interesting work from advising on a proposed business integration to drafting new legislation. Being able to compare the business environment and working culture here with that in London has really broadened my international perspective. The supportive working culture at Allens and the approachability of all my colleagues makes for an excellent learning environment. Already, I feel that I have gained experience and confidence, which will ease my upcoming transition to being a qualified solicitor.

Sydney is a fantastic city to live in - there is always something to see and do! It has a relaxed atmosphere, while also offering events, food and nightlife to compete with the world’s greatest cities. Sydney’s magnificent natural beauty means that there are lots to see and the city is compact enough to navigate on foot. As well as the must see visitor spots, I have discovered great shops, cafes and open air markets in the lesser known districts of the city. There are also countless destinations for weekend trips, including Melbourne, Tasmania, the Gold Coast and the Great Barrier Reef.

As I left sub-zero temperatures in London, Sydney’s glorious sunshine has been a great change too! I have been happy to find an abundance of open spaces in which to enjoy the weather, with countless parks and beautiful beaches within easy reach.

My secondment to Sydney has been a great highlight of my training contract. I feel very lucky to have been offered such an exciting opportunity and I would hugely recommend the experience to future trainees.