Leading law firm Ward Hadaway has welcomed 14 new trainee solicitors and one solicitor apprentice. The appointments form an ongoing part of the firm’s ambitious growth strategy, spearheaded by new managing partner Steven Petrie, who stepped into the role in May 2024.
The 15 recruits are based across the firm’s three regional offices in Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle with 10 based on Newcastle’s Quayside. It brings the company’s total headcount to over 500 and will see the trainees undertake two years of training before qualifying in 2026, with the apprentice qualifying in 2030.
Partner and training principal, Matt Cormack, said: “It’s my pleasure to welcome the class of 2024 to Ward Hadaway. To have been awarded a training contract with the firm is testament to the skills and aptitude that our new trainees have demonstrated to secure their place on our award-winning programme.
“At Ward Hadaway a key focus is on supporting our people at every stage of their career to be their best, to develop news skills and to lead the way in progressive legal practice. Our trainees are no different, and they will each enjoy a structured training programme, where they gain a breadth of experience across various legal disciplines, as well as the support and mentorship of our more experienced lawyers at various stages of their careers.
“I’m looking forward to working with them all and wish them every success as they navigate the path to their new career.”
Ward Hadaway has a strong reputation for nurturing the next generation of legal talent. Places on its annual training programmes are highly sought after and the competitive recruitment process sees the best students from across the UK invited to an assessment day before offers are made to a diverse mix of talented future lawyers.
Caroline Jones, Emerging Talent Manager, who oversees the training programme said: “September is always an exciting time of year at Ward Hadaway as we welcome the latest crop of emerging talent to the firm. As we welcome a new cohort, we also celebrate those graduating from the programme after two years of hard work. Seven of those are staying at the firm in their newly qualified roles, and we look forward to supporting our new trainees in developing towards that same goal.
“We pride ourselves on nurturing our people and several of our senior management team joined us as trainees, demonstrating our commitment to providing lifelong careers and progression at every level.
“Each trainee will receive a structured and bespoke training plan, giving them the opportunity to explore their interests and contribute to the success of the firm, and will be given the help and support they require to succeed over the two years they are learning. I look forward to seeing them thrive within the business.”
The trainees are Dania Abu-Harb, Josh Cela, Laurence Colgan, Charlie Davies, Sophie Edgar, Ella Edmunds, Alice Ferguson, Abigail McAllister, Laura McLaughlin, Liam Middleton, Aisha Rutherford, Olivia Smith, Elizabeth Swales, Anna Thorp and Nick Williams.
Speaking about his traineeship Josh Cela said: “My fellow trainees and I are delighted to have secured training contracts at Ward Hadaway. The firm has a stellar reputation for helping mould the legal talent of the future, and it’s inspiring to know that many of the partners and senior people here started where we are now.
“I’m really looking forward to the next two years and experiencing different aspects of the law. Because Ward Hadaway is a full-service commercial practice, there are lots of opportunities for exposure to a range of different legal disciplines. The firm works with a diverse range of ambitious, and pioneering clients, and I’m focused on supporting my senior colleagues with this work and learning as much as I can from them.”