I qualified in March 2009 at the height of the recession. It was a challenging time for the profession but AG did a fantastic job looking after all of the trainees that were newly qualified. I remember how the firm worked exceptionally hard to find space for us in the business, despite the massive economic pressures that were bearing down at the time.

It really cemented that feeling of belonging that I had at AG. From my vacation scheme at AG, the firm felt like home, I thought it was a place where you were backed and you were given the support you needed to excel. Everything I have experienced since has confirmed this, and that is why I am still here.

I am not the only one who has made AG home. I work with a number of people who have been at the firm for 25 years or longer and recently we celebrated the retirement of another close colleague who spent her entire working life at AG.

People stay in this business, and not because it is an easy ride. It is hard work, we are a huge international law firm with high expectations and incredible performance in the marketplace. 

But people do feel valued here, they are invested in here and they are given a voice. 

Even when people do leave, some return years later after experiencing life elsewhere, and we welcome them back with open arms.

The culture of AG definitely underpins our success and it provides incredible stability across the business. 

From my earliest days at the firm to the present day it has been constant, and it truly is our essence. 

While there is huge confidence and ambition around our goals for AG2030, it is our values and culture that will drive our success and get us where we want to go.

I am currently one of the leaders for The Vine, which is our gender balance network, and I am proud to play my part in making sure that the business stays in The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality. 

This firm really does want everyone to reach their full potential, to feel valued and to do their best work alongside people who are committed to doing the same.

What makes our culture so strong? Communication and collaboration. AG is an excellent place to work because we place a high priority on communication and collaboration, both within our teams, across the business and with clients. Without those we would not be the business we are, a firm that still feels like home to me after all these years.