Stockholm secondment story

"Dark", "cold" and "expensive" were just three of the things that I was warned to expect before heading out on secondment to Mannheimer Swartling (MSA) in Stockholm for the winter. In reality, while certainly dark, cold and perhaps not in the top ten cheapest cities in Europe, I’d happily spend the winter here every year.

Stockholm is a vibrant, energetic city that seamlessly mixes antique charm with effortless chic. Its people are welcoming and friendly and my colleagues have encouraged me to get involved in as many local activities as possible. So far, I’ve been treated to the delights of släger  (rough English translation - incredibly cheesy Scandinavian karaoke), a traditional Swedish Christmas buffet (complete with six types of pickled herring) and post-work drinks in the firm’s very own sauna. I have also just taken part in the firm’s annual Lucia  celebrations, whereby new joiners dress up in white robes and pointed hats and sing traditional Swedish Christmas songs, all washed down with healthy quantities of glögg  - the Swedish take on mulled wine.

I am currently sitting in MSA’s Corporate and Commercial group where I have already experienced a wide range of work, the highlight of which has been helping to advise a Nordic company on the licensing of its top secret military wireless technology to an American multinational. MSA places great emphasis on the independent and open nature of its working environment, something exemplified by the weekly departmental lunch at which associates and partners meet to discuss current trends in the market, the matters on which the team is working and whether people feel happy with their workloads.

Before I return to London I am hoping to fit in some skiing (should the snow ever come - Stockholm is currently enjoying one of the mildest winters of recent years), although I am not yet convinced that I should take up the invitation to try my hand (or rather legs) at the cross-country variety.

• Daniel Richardson
• Trainee secondment