Jacinta Atkinson, Trainee, April 2009

Despite being the first year under the new Traineeship Rules, Cornwall Stodart has worked hard to ensure a smooth transition from articles to traineeships. The firm ensures trainees are exposed to all practice groups - Banking & Finance, Corporate & Commercial, Commercial Litigation, Commercial Property and Employment & Industrial Relations. This gave us an opportunity to work with every member of the firm, and gain a broad overview of the different types of work and areas of law in which the firm practises.

Cornwall Stodart has changed my approach towards law and a law firm environment. From my first week, it was evident the firm's culture is both defined and underpinned by its core values: Respect, Integrity, Quality, Progressiveness, Loyalty and Family.

These values help to create a positive working environment, and I built strong relationships with other staff members, clients and the community. I was given the opportunity to manage files and work directly with clients from an early stage. This provided a challenging but realistic learning experience, which proved to be extremely rewarding. Also, it was invaluable to be given the opportunity to learn from the experience, knowledge and diverse expertise of lawyers of all levels, from those just admitted through to senior associates, special counsel and partners.

Cornwall Stodart has a strong commitment to a work-life balance. As trainees we were members of SALSA - the Cornwall Stodart social committee. SALSA arranged a number of events for all staff members, including trivia nights, winery tours, murder mystery nights and twilight jazz at the zoo.

The firm is also committed to ensuring staff members are healthy and happy. In addition to social club events, Cornwall Stodart arranged flu vaccinations, massages and weekly commando fitness sessions, as well as boot camp and pilates sessions.