Chadwick Lawrence Appoints Four New Trainee Solicitors

We are delighted to announce that we have appointed four new trainee solicitors.

Several people applied for training contracts with the firm earlier this year as part of our annual Fee-earner Progression Scheme. And three have been awarded the contracts and promoted to Trainee Solicitor from 1 April 2023.

Abigail Capstick within the Commercial Property Department, Adam McKie, Corporate and Commercial Department and Jake Bedford in the Employment Department.

In addition, Brook Little, currently in the Dispute & Resolutions Team, has been offered a training contract with Chadwick Lawrence to start on 1 April 2024.

The contracts will see our trainee solicitors undertake a number of ‘seats’. These are typically six-month stints across three/four different departments within the firm so they can experience each department and, at the end of their contract, determine which area of law they want to specialise in. 

Abigail joined us in October 2021 as a Paralegal in the Commercial Property Department based in Wakefield. Since, she’s been assisting fee earners in all department tasks and has a variety of personal responsibilities. Abigail executes all post completion work, creating initial research and document drafts and is also part of our Social Committee. 

“I’m over the moon to get a training contract and cannot wait to get started,” says Abigail. “I’ve had an abundant amount of support and learned so much already, so I’m eager to continue this by starting my contract and ultimately qualifying as a solicitor..”

From 1 April, Abigail will have a more client facing position, running her own files from start to completion. “I’m looking forward to having more responsibility, trying different areas of law and building my own personal brand as a trainee solicitor. Longer-term I want to become an Associate and then Partner. I see myself in the future being an expert in my chosen area of law through hard work and dedication with the help and training of Chadwick Lawrence.” 

Adam McKie has been with us since July 2021, and started working in the Leeds office as a Corporate and Commercial Paralegal in July 2021. He says: “Chadwick Lawrence are excellent for allowing you to get fully involved in projects and quickly build up your experience levels – therefore since starting here, my role has progressed significantly. I help with a wide range of tasks from drafting agreements to reviewing commercial contracts. 

“Obtaining a training contract here has been a long-time goal so I’m ecstatic to have one! It’s a great feeling to know that all the hard work has paid off!

“I’m looking forward to exploring new areas of law and helping with new legal challenges! And I’m going into my training contract with an open mind, looking forward to seeing what each department has to offer.

“At Chadwick Lawrence there are lots of people who’ve been in the position I’m in now and have worked their way up and gone on to be very successful, I hope that I can also do the same.”

Jake Bedford started his career at the firm in August 2021 as an Employment Paralegal working from Leeds and Wakefield. He’s developed strong commercial relationships with a variety of clients through drafting employment contracts and advising on redundancies and dismissals. Jake says he applied for the training contract because he shares many of our values of respect, integrity, and honesty. And it’s rewarding to see all my hard work pay off.

“When I start my training contract, I’ll move departments and be exposed to different areas of law. My training will involve setting goals and objectives to develop the skills required to practice as a Solicitor, including file management, costing work, and developing commercial relationships with clients.” Jake hopes to gain experience in other areas of law and use his legal knowledge to apply them to practical situations. “I’m excited to take the next steps on my journey to qualification,” he adds.

In addition, Brook Little, currently in the Dispute & Resolutions Team, has been offered a training contract to start on 1 April 2024.

Brook joined the firm in June 2022, as a trainee Paralegal in the Leeds office. She’s now doing her LPC LLM part-time. Brook says she applied for a training contract because she wanted to take the next step towards qualification with the firm.

“Chadwick Lawrence provides great opportunities for people, so I really wanted to progress. When I heard that I’d been successful I felt relieved that I was set up for the next step towards qualification and excited for 2024!”

Brook starts her training in April 2024, which will involve a new role title and responsibilities, enabling her to put the skills and knowledge she’s learned so far into practice.

“And I’m hoping to get the skills and experience to facilitate a successful career in law. I want to balance my role at Chadwick Lawrence and part-time study so that I pass the LPC LLM and then qualify as a Solicitor.”

Managing Partner Neil Wilson says: “Congratulations to Abigail, Adam, Jake and Brook on their promotions. We wish them all the best in the next part of their training and qualification as Solicitors at Chadwick Lawrence.”

Image L-R: Chadwick Lawrence Managing Partner Neil Wilson, Trainee Solicitors Brook Little, Jake Bedford, Adam McKie, Abigail Capstick, and Head of HR Lisa Bailey.