Midlands law firm appoints newly-qualified solicitors

Shakespeare Martineau has welcomed the next generation of legal talent with the appointment of 12 newly-qualified solicitors – including nine in the Midlands – following the completion of their training contracts with the full-service law firm, representing a retention rate of 92 per cent.

In Leicester, Gabriella Norton has qualified into the energy team and Victoria Hill now holds a permanent position in the real estate finance team.

In Birmingham, Isobel Hartley has secured a role with the litigation team, Mia Georgiou is strengthening the corporate team, Megan Walsh has been appointed to the private client team, Ellen Abrahall has taken up a role in the employment team, and Hanifah Nawaz and Kiera Wade have joined the real estate finance team.

Zenab Khatun, a valued colleague who had accepted a role in the real estate finance team in Birmingham, sadly passed away before being able to take up her position.

Victoria Tester, managing director at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “We are incredibly proud to have extended offers to all our qualifying trainees this year, resulting in a strong retention rate and a talented cohort of newly-qualified solicitors joining us.

“Each of them has shown dedication, adaptability and a real passion for delivering excellent client service during their training. It’s inspiring to see Gabriella, Victoria, Isobel, Mia, Megan, Ellen, Hanifah and Kiera take this next step in their careers with us, and I’m excited to watch them continue to grow and make their mark at Shakespeare Martineau.

“While we celebrate these achievements, we also pause to remember our colleague, Zenab. Her loss is deeply felt across the firm, and our thoughts remain with her family, friends and all who knew her.”

Shakespeare Martineau offers multiple routes to qualification, including traditional training contracts, SQE graduate apprenticeships, self-funded SQE pathways and CILEx options.

There is no minimum degree requirement for all routes – the firm assesses candidates based on their potential and suitability for the role, rather than solely on academic qualifications.

For further information about Shakespeare Martineau’s training contract programme, please visit the website.

Pictured (top to bottom, left to right): Gabriella Norton, Victoria Hill, Isobel Hartley, Mia Georgiou, Megan Walsh, Ellen Abrahall, Hanifah Nawaz, Kiera Wade and Zenab Khatun