Harrison Drury welcomes six new learners to early career cohort

Independent Lancashire law firm Harrison Drury has welcomed six new learners to its legal qualification programme, bringing its learner group to 27. 

Adam Wood, Isaac Hegarty, Jasmine Violet, Louisa Procter and Macey Rainbow have joined as apprentices across Harrison Drury’s office network, including Preston, Lytham, Lancaster and Garstang. 

Jessica McBride, who is taking the next step in her career with the firm after working as a paralegal for two years, will be joining the insolvency and restructuring team as a trainee solicitor.

The new cohort joins an established development pathway that has supported many colleagues into long term legal careers within Harrison Drury. Eighteen of the firm’s current solicitors progressed through the programme, including four new solicitors who completed their training and qualified this year. 

Working across various departments within the firm, the apprentices will gain practical experience while developing the knowledge and expertise needed to complete the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship. 

Solicitor apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular route into the legal profession. Department for Education figures show solicitor apprenticeship starts in England rose from 240 in the whole of 2019/20 to 2,180 across the first three quarters of 2025/26. 

Simon England, managing partner, said: “Our new learners always bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to the firm, and our role is to give them the guidance and encouragement they need to grow into legal experts and trusted advisers. 

“The fact so many former trainees and apprentices have gone on to build their careers with Harrison Drury demonstrates the value of investing in people from the beginning. It also helps us build and retain the expertise we need to continue supporting our clients in the years ahead.”

Jen Salt, head of HR at Harrison Drury, said: “Starting an apprenticeship is exciting, but it can also be daunting. This group has approached the opportunity with real enthusiasm, and it has been wonderful to see them begin to find their feet.

“For some, including Jessica, the programme is the next step in a journey that begins with Harrison Drury in a paralegal role. The growing interest in our apprenticeship scheme and the strength of the talent coming through the firm reflect our team's hard work to create a supportive pathway into the legal profession.

“Each apprentice gets a chance to work alongside experienced solicitors and become involved in real client matters from an early stage. This helps them understand both the law and the difference that thoughtful, well-timed advice can make to people and businesses.”

Harrison Drury employs more than 200 people across nine offices and, in November 2025, was named in the Best Companies Index as one of the best companies to work for in the UK for the third year in a row.