North East law firm Gordon Brown Law Firm LLP (GBLF) has awarded its sought-after training contract to two members of its team concurrently, a first for the firm.
With only one candidate usually chosen each year, this year GBLF has announced Claire Wilson, 25, and Michelle Kettle, 24, as the firm’s new trainee solicitors.
As part of their training contract, each will undertake a period of recognised training as they put into practice their existing knowledge and develop their legal skills over a two-year period.
Claire, from Newton Aycliffe, studied Law at The University of Sunderland and gained her Legal Practice Course (LPC) at Northumbria University, before joining the firm in May 2016. Michelle, from Blyth, completed her Law degree and LPC at The University of Sheffield and Northumbria University, and began working in the Property team at GBLF in June 2016.
This is the first time that two concurrent training contracts have been awarded at GBLF, so it is a fantastic achievement and both Michelle and Claire should be extremely proud.
Kathryn Taylor, Managing Partner, GBLF Kathryn Taylor, managing partner of GBLF, said: “Both Claire and Michelle have shown great commitment to their personal and professional development since joining the firm, whilst demonstrating that they have the attributes required to be excellent solicitors.
“This is the first time that two concurrent training contracts have been awarded at GBLF, so it is a fantastic achievement and both Michelle and Claire should be extremely proud. As a firm we are passionate about developing our existing talent and so I am looking forward to seeing all that they achieve with us throughout their training and beyond as qualified solicitors.”
Throughout the two-year training contract, Claire and Michelle will undertake professional training and gain experience across all areas of the firm. Being awarded the training contract at GBLF is seen by both as a real highlight of their career so far and as an important step towards achieving their ultimate goal of becoming a qualified solicitor.
Demonstrating her drive to succeed, Claire said: “I am thrilled to have been awarded the training contract at GBLF. The forward-thinking vision of the firm makes it an exciting place to work, and I am looking forward to being part of its future.”
Michelle added: “As a graduate from Blyth with limited connections within the region’s legal scene, I knew it could be tough to break into the legal profession, but I was determined to succeed and just needed someone to believe in me.
“Since I joined GBLF, the firm has shown real commitment to my personal development and training, and it is progressive in its vision for staff, which reveals a strong desire to develop people from within. Without the training contract, I couldn’t possibly see myself in such a fortunate position. It removes the uncertainty of my career’s future and motivates me to be the best I can be.
“I am excited to work alongside experts in the industry and I am certain that this is the firm with whom I want to progress my career both now and in the future.”
With offices located in Newcastle and ChesterLe-Street, GBLF offers a range of legal services and advice across all areas of family, residential conveyancing, wills and probate, dispute resolution, corporate and commercial law.
