15 Trainees Join Leeds Law Firm

Leeds 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 two based at Wellington Place. 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.

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.