Napthens welcomes new apprentices and trainees with launch of talent development programme

North west law firm Napthens has appointed nine new trainees, including two apprentices, to demonstrate its dedication to investing in talent for future growth. 

The new trainees and apprentices also begin their participation in the firm’s innovative emerging talent development programme, Flourish. 

  Apprentice Evie Noblett joined from Cardinal Newman College in Preston on a solicitor apprenticeship, while Lauren Jones followed a new graduate apprenticeship pathway. 

Evie is Napthens’ second solicitor apprentice following Amy Wright’s appointment in 2023. She begins a five-year course to a law degree and to take her SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Exams), whilst working full-time.   

Lauren, a legal assistant at the firm, studied Law at Sheffield Hallam University. She will complete the graduate apprenticeship in just over two years, so she can complete her Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).  

  Evie said: “I’m excited to start my journey in the legal profession and grateful for Napthens having the pathway that suits me best. 

  “The solicitor apprenticeship enables me to not only apply the skills and knowledge that I’m learning in the classroom but gain invaluable knowledge from the professionals surrounding me.” 

  Lauren added: “I can’t wait to get started and follow a new apprenticeship route to becoming a solicitor, a route that affords me to complete the SQE while gaining real life working experiences.” 

  The new recruits demonstrate the firm’s long-term commitment to encourage entry into the legal profession via a variety of pathways. 

  In addition to the two apprentices, Napthens welcomes Paige Draper and Zuzanna Tunska as they take seats in commercial contracts and the family team respectively. 

  Five existing colleagues will begin their training contracts. 

  Declan Duffy and Emma Odudu-Harrison will join litigation teams in Preston and Blackburn, with Amira Bhailok joining real estate in Preston. 

Liam Henry starts his contract with residential conveyancing in Preston, while Charlotte Senior begins her training contract with wills and estate planning. 

  Head of learning and development, Simon Price, said: “Flourish has been co-created with lawyers and professional colleagues from across the firm. 

  “The Flourish curriculum enables our people to learn key business, financial, technical, digital and professional skills at the start of their careers and will enable them to flourish in their roles with the firm.” 

  Napthens’ head of people and operations, Nicola Mason, explained the importance of apprenticeships and Flourish to the firm. 

  She said: “Apprenticeships enable us to widen the demographic of candidates for all roles, opening a career in the legal profession to people who might not ordinarily think it could be for them. 

  “Our trainee programme has always been an essential part of who we are. As a firm, we are passionate about access to law and supporting great minds to fulfil their potential in law.  

  “We look forward to watching the progress of all our new colleagues, as they navigate a path to a legal career, always supported by people and teams across the firm.” 

  Napthens has two apprenticeship programmes - one with UCLAN (University of Central Lancashire) for solicitors and one with CILEX (The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) focused on paralegals. 

  In addition to Amy Wright studying the solicitor apprenticeship, Amy Davies and Cheryl Hood are studying the paralegal apprenticeship, to enhance their knowledge in their roles as legal assistants.