As law firms all over the country cut back on their appointments of up and coming lawyers, a South Devon law firm is going from strength to strength and bucking the trend.
, which has offices in Paignton, Dartmouth, Torquay and Newton Abbot, has just appointed two new trainee solicitors.
Mark Iddles is a University of Plymouth law and business graduate who, although originally from the West Midlands, spent his teenage years in Australia. He originally came to Wollen Michelmore in a volunteer role to catalogue a database of wills in the Newton Abbot office of the firm. Mark has also worked as a legal volunteer at the Citizens Advice Bureau and at the South West Employment Rights Centre. He was then taken on as a paralegal and will start his training contract on January 1st.
Mark said: “I am excited to be part of the warm and friendly team and in such a beautiful part of the country. It has been hard to find any type of legal opportunities in the current downturn, even though I have a good degree, and I am pleased Wollen MIchelmore has the foresight and commitment to develop its staff. I would urge any young graduates to take on volunteer roles within firms so potential employers can get to know you and you can develop your skills.”
Lucie Rose, who was educated at Churston Ferrers Grammar School, did her law degree and further study in Bristol and London. She gained experience at a number of legal practices around the South West. She was originally taken on as a legal secretary in Wollen Michelmore’s busy family department, where she has now secured a contract as a trainee lawyer.
“Despite being a trainee, I am gradually building up my case load and have been given a good level of responsibility,” said Lucie. “Having such an experienced team around me has helped me learn and adjust very quickly. It is fast paced and relentless in the family law department and there is a new challenge every day. What I love about Wollen Michelmore is that it is a firm that is always looking for ways to push its boundaries and expand. I hope I can positively contribute to the evolution of the firm.”
Managing Partner Chris Hart said: “Many law firms are cutting back on employing trainees and even the brightest graduates are finding it is a very tough market. We have always thought it was essential to our development to capture new bright talent, particularly the home-grown ones who will be the stars of the future. We want to give young lawyers a reason not to move away to London.”