Simpson Millar—four trainees

National law firm Simpson Millar has reinforced its commitment to investing in its people by welcoming four new trainees from across the business onto its innovative Solicitor Qualification Programme (SQP).

The successful candidates, all of whom were recruited internally in line with the firm’s ongoing commitment to providing opportunity and advancement for its colleagues, will now work across various teams including Transformation, Family Law, and Public Law whilst embarking on a bespoke training programme.

This is the second year that Simpson Millar has offered an SQP, which focuses on the numerous routes to Solicitor qualification now open.

The firm opted to expand its trainee solicitor programme to give colleagues more opportunities for careers in the law with access to various apprenticeships and Qualifying Work Experience.

Rebecca Wood joins the firm’s Transformation Team, as well as Jessica Wake, Georgia Wake who will focus on Public Law, and Adam Liddle who joins the Family team, will now complete their Period of Recognised Training.

This training programme will last a period of 2 years during which they will complete bespoke training within one of Simpson Millar’s three practice areas, following which they will be admitted to the roll of Solicitors.

The announcement coincides with news that Hayley Buchan and Fern Crabtree, who have now qualified as Solicitors having recently completed their Period of Recognised Training, will join the firm’s expansive Court of Protection Team.

Jamil Mohammed will also join the firm’s Legal Processing Unit, while Aisha Ashraf, who will complete her training contract next month, will join the firms highly regarded Catastrophic Injury team.

Nicola Darlington (pictured), a Partner and Training Principal at Simpson Millar who started at the firm in the Call Centre, before undergoing her Solicitor training, said: 'Our people play a fundamental part in enabling us to succeed, we are committed to investing in their futures, providing everyone with the opportunities they needed to progress their own careers and meet their goals.  

'While many firms open applications to external candidates, we only accept applications from internal colleagues. We are incredibly lucky to have a huge pool of talent within the business which we are committed to acknowledging and rewarding with the right opportunities at the right time.

'These successful candidates exemplify everything that’s great about our Simpson Millar team, not only are they talented and driven, but they are also committed to our firm values and are an example of the future of our business. 

'Their places on the various training courses are thoroughly deserved, and we are thrilled to support them as they begin the next phase of their careers. It is our belief that there is much more to come from them all, and that they will play an integral part in helping Simpson Millar to continue to open up the law.'