Leading County Durham lawyers Latimer Hinks has awarded three of its graduates trainee solicitor positions.
Abigail Noone, Toni-Ann Galvin and Nikita Noel, all graduates, started their careers as post graduate secretaries with Latimer Hinks after securing law degrees and professional qualifications at Northumbria University.
All three are now celebrating promotion to trainee solicitor roles.
Abigail said: “The legal profession is incredibly competitive so securing a position as a legal secretary is a great way to gain a future training contract. We’ve all made sure we’ve gone over and above what was expected of us as legal secretaries and Latimer Hinks has recognised that we have the necessary drive to become trainee solicitors with a view to qualifying in 2016/17.”
Toni-Ann and Nikita both added: “It’s a beneficial route for both parties. The employer gets the chance to know you and see what you can do, and you’re able to learn on the job while showing how committed you are to progressing within the firm.”
Abigail and Toni-Ann, were in the same year at Northumbria University with Nikita graduating a year later. They will work across all departments at Latimer Hinks to gain a broad spectrum of experience.
So far, Abigail has enjoyed time in the property department, while Toni-Ann and Nikita have been busy with private client work.
Abigail said: “Buying and selling houses is an anxious time. I try to provide a calm experience for clients so their move is as stress free as possible.”
Toni-Ann said: “I’ve been dealing with probate matters, which are often contentious, as well as court of protection work. The cases can be very complex and they require sensitivity. It’s immensely satisfying when you’re able to help a client through a difficult time in their life.”
Nikita who has been working with Andrew Way, managing director at Latimer Hinks, said: “I have learnt so much working with Andrew and will continue to work with, and provide back up to, Andrew and the whole team.”
The new trainee solicitors are all from the North East and were aware of Latimer Hinks’ reputation as a leading law firm so jumped at the opportunity to join the company.
Latimer Hinks chief executive Anne Elliott said: “We have a strong ethos at Latimer Hinks of training and retaining good people, of rewarding hard work and talent, and promoting from within wherever possible. Abigail, Toni-Ann and Nikita have all impressed us and have proved that they have the drive, determination and work ethic to join our existing property and private client teams.”