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Trainee Profile - Hannah Billson
 My first seat at Covington was in the London office’s largest practice area -- corporate. This proved to be an excellent introduction to the firm as by the end of my first six months I had worked with most people in the team on a wide variety of matters. Day to day work in the seat involved incorporating companies, drafting a wide range of corporate documentation, reviewing due diligence and disclosures and assisting with share sales and asset transfers in numerous jurisdictions in Europe, Africa and Asia.
I am now coming to the end of my second seat in the London life science s regulatory practice. My lack of science background has not been an issue and I have played a substantive role within the relatively small team producing advice for high calibre clients. Work has ranged from discrete research matters on medicines, medical devices, food and cosmetics to on-going involvement with two judicial reviews, one in the English courts and one in Europe. Trainees at Covington are given significant responsibility and encouraged to use their initiative early on in their training contracts. I’ve already experienced considerable client contact and enjoyed responsibility for liaising with clients, local counsel and Courts directly as both a first and second seat trainee. This can be daunting at times but there is no better way to learn than being thrown in at the deep end and there is always a robust support system in place too.
Covington has a strong pro bono heritage and there are numerous opportunities for trainees and associates to get involved on a wide variety of matters. Indeed, trainees, associates and partners who work more than 50 hours per year on pro bono matters are recognised at an annual Pro Bono Awards Ceremony and dinner. In my first seat I was heavily involved with the restructuring of a renewable energy charity in several jurisdictions. I was able to apply the experience I developed working for our main clients to take day-to-day control of the restructuring -- an excellent opportunity so early on in my training contract.
The close inclusive atmosphere at Covington was evident when I interviewed at the firm as partners, associates and trainees made the effort to meet candidates at lunches. As a future trainee I was invited to Christmas parties, drinks receptions and quiz nights making my first day in the office less daunting. Indeed, it’s not all work and no play as once you start as a trainee there are opportunities to play for the Covington Cupcakes and Covington Cosmos (the netball and softball teams respectively), go on the firm ski trip (great fun) and attend informal drinks and payday lunches.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year at Covington and it has definitely exceeded any expectations I had. The welcoming collegiate atmosphere, diversity of work and various opportunities to push and develop yourself make for an excellent environment to be a trainee. I’m looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that my second year will bring.
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