Rob Kerrigan

Position: Trainee, work and play
Join date: September 2010
Key facts: Studied Law at Newcastle

Whether it's before, during or after a busy day at work, A&O provides its employees with many fantastic opportunities to partake in a broad range of sporting, social and cultural activities.  From sailing adventures and ski trips to opera performances and even "A&O's Got Talent", there truly is something for everyone.

Our modern Health & Wellbeing Centre includes a fully-equipped gym and sports hall which is used for team sports and fitness classes.  The centre offers personal training and perks such as access to a resident GP, dentist and other professionals who can provide you with anything from dietary advice to beauty treatments.  A&O also runs about 25 different sports teams who play in various leagues and competitions against other city institutions.

If your idea of relaxation does not involve breaking sweat or, indeed, watching your perspiring colleagues push themselves to their physical limits whilst kitted out in questionable lycra sportswear, A&O also organises a variety of more sedate activities.  Music, theatre, dance and photography are all on offer and enthusiastic novices are more than welcome to join in alongside their more experienced colleagues.

However, when it comes to winding down on a Friday evening, sometimes a glass of wine or a cold beer is often exactly what's needed, and where better to enjoy that first taste of freedom than at our very own bar – Lavanda - which boasts a stunning roof-terrace, subsidised prices and a great BBQ when the weather allows.  In addition to this, most departments organise regular social events and the Trainee Social Committee also works hard to ensure that there is always something to look forward to in your diary.

As a trainee, you will be encouraged to pursue your extra-curricular activities.  My experience has been that, while urgent work of course takes priority, the firm as a whole is extremely dedicated towards developing a group of well-rounded lawyers with interests outside of the office.