Leading law firm for businesses Muckle LLP has strengthened its employment team with a newly qualified solicitor who followed a pioneering path into law.
Paula Normington, who initially joined the firm as a business support assistant in 2008 before joining the employment team as a PA in 2009, has qualified as an employment solicitor through the North-East Solicitor Apprenticeship programme (NESA).
NESA is a six-year scheme that enables an individual to gain work experience, earn a law degree and qualify as a solicitor. Paula was selected for the programme after demonstrating a strong passion to develop in her role and a keen interest in employment law.
Before starting her apprenticeship in 2018, Paula progressed to the role of paralegal at Muckle by completing the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) course, which provides on-the-job training and a non-graduate route to becoming a paralegal.
Paula has now qualified as solicitor and will put her skills into practice, delivering pragmatic and commercial employment advice to a range of clients, including handling tribunals.
Outside of Muckle, Paula volunteers at a number of local charities and has recently been appointed to the role of Data Protection Champion at Read Easy Newcastle & North Tyneside.
Paula said: “Joining Muckle as a business support assistant was the beginning of an incredible journey. I’ve been so lucky with the support I’ve received along the way – from progressing to senior paralegal to qualifying as a solicitor.
“The apprenticeship route is a lot of work but it offers the benefit of being part of a firm, gaining hands-on experience and achieving a qualification at the end. I’ve gained a wide range of skills and experience over the past six years and have developed a good understanding of how the firm works.
“I’m so happy to finally qualify and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with an amazing team and clients.”
Chris Maddock, partner and head of the employment team, said: “Over the years, Paula has demonstrated tremendous talent and has become a key asset to our employment team and the firm as whole. Her drive, hard work and wish to progress have been amazing and she is a prime example of how you can make the best of home-grown talent.”