In the fast-paced world of law, nurturing the next generation of legal talent is not just a priority; it’s a commitment to shaping the future of our profession.

 Here at Walker Foster Solicitors, we take immense pride in investing in trainees, helping them to embark on the path of qualification, a thrilling adventure filled with challenges and growth opportunities. Our trainees combine hand-on experience with comprehensive training, and have the opportunity to work alongside experienced solicitors in order to absorb knowledge, whilst honing their skills and building a foundation for their legal careers.

 We believe in learning by doing. That’s why each of our trainees were recruited initially as Legal Assistants and given real-world responsibilities from the outset, being actively involved in the meaningful foundations that contribute to our firm’s success.

 For the first time in the history of our firm, we are fortunate enough to have three highly talented individuals who have all been promoted to trainee solicitors in the last few months. Rebecca Geldard and Alex Richardson are following the “traditional” route, having both completed their Legal Practice Course (LPC) and secured training contracts with us. Meanwhile, Isabel Ward is our first trainee to embark on a Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship through the University of Law, undertaking the Solicitors Qualifying Exams, a new assessment route introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority to provide greater flexibility and accessibility for aspiring solicitors.

 

Having already gained two years’ experience working in Dispute Resolution, Rebecca is training within our Corporate & Commercial Department:

“I feel very lucky to be given the opportunity to do my training contract at Walker Foster. My colleagues are so approachable and have a variety of knowledge and experience, which is invaluable for me as a trainee solicitor. I have been given a lot of guidance and support, whilst being given a good level of responsibility. I am fortunate to be supervised by a very experienced solicitor and a supportive team. I am enjoying learning every day and can’t wait to develop more throughout my training contract.” 

Alex is undertaking his training contract within our Private Client (Wills & Probate) Department:

“I have been lucky enough to be rewarded with this fantastic opportunity of which I am extremely grateful. Working at Walker Foster has really been a breath of fresh air and given me a different perspective on what I believed a law career to be. Since the start, I have worked very closely with Lee Kirby who has been extremely helpful in my training and development so far. However, the support from everyone throughout the firm has been incredible over the course of my first year at Walker Foster and I look forward to pushing forward and developing even further over the coming years at this fantastic firm.”

Isabel has been fortunate enough to undertake Legal Assistant roles in both Conveyancing and Private Client since she joined us almost two years ago. However, we knew her heart was always in family law, and she commenced her Solicitor Apprenticeship this year as part of her move into the Family Team:

“Walker Foster is a firm that encourages personal development and has provided me with the next step in my legal career. The SQE is a demanding course but I am lucky to work in a team that supports my progression and I am confident that I can turn to any one of them for guidance throughout my training and beyond.”

 We’d like to take this opportunity to wish Rebecca, Alex and Isabel the very best with their training over the next couple of years, and thank them for giving us the opportunity to be a part of their future.

 If you’re considering your pathway to being a solicitor, hopefully this infographic – designed by the University of Law – will help you understand the different routes available to you,:

If you’re a law graduate looking to start your career, we currently have vacancies for Legal Assistants in our Residential and Commercial Property departments in Harrogate. This might be the perfect opportunity for you to follow in the path of Rebecca, Alex and Isabel!

Take a look at our full list of available vacancies.