Amsterdam secondment story

I am currently on secondment to De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek (De Brauw) in Amsterdam and am loving every second. It is a great city that manages to combine a relaxed atmosphere with a huge number of events and activities to suit tastes of any cultural persuasion. The most infamous event of the year, Koninginnedag (Queen's Day) - a 48-hour street party with live bands and dancing, is definitely a highlight so far.

My introduction to De Brauw was facilitated by a skiing trip with 50 other lawyers - a baptism of fire to the Dutch skill of combining hard work (eight hours on the slopes minimum) with a hearty appetite for fun (eight hours in the après-ski bar - also a minimum)! Since the trip, my time has taken a more conventional route. I have found an equally dedicated approach to finance work from all members of the banking and finance team, combined with just as enthusiastic week wind-downs in the firm's free bar on a Friday evening. Also, each week, the entire finance team gets together over lunch to discuss a topical aspect of finance law - these have so far been conducted in English although, with my weekly Dutch language lessons, there are murmurings that they will shortly switch to Dutch!

I have been given interesting and, at times, challenging work ranging from helping with a large acquisition finance closing to drafting legal opinions. My colleagues are more than willing to help answer any questions I have, so even the more daunting tasks become enjoyable and a very valuable learning experience.

• Serena Martin
• Trainee secondment