Napthens grows talent with apprentice appointment

Napthens solicitors has become one of the few law firms in the region to appoint an apprentice.

Declan Duffy will be working in the plot sales team within the firm’s Commercial Property department.

The 19-year-old from Lytham, who completed A Levels at Cardinal Newman College in Preston, is completing a legal services apprenticeship through the Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU).

Throughout the two-year programme Declan will specialise in land law and conveyancing training, building knowledge while working towards Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILex) qualifications.

He will provide administrative support and gain valuable industry experience by assisting lawyers across the department, as well as collaborating on an IT project helping to develop Napthens’ online client services.

Kay Jackson-Leigh, director of HR at Napthens solicitors, said: “Apprenticeships provide many benefits for businesses. It’s a great opportunity to access and nurture bright, enthusiastic new talent, develop staff and grow the workforce.

“Apprentices are very common in many sectors, but less so in the legal profession although they are fast gaining momentum. We hope that Declan will be the first of many, reflecting how much value we believe apprentices can add to our existing services and training schemes.

Jacqueline Panter, associate head of the Manchester Law School, said: “Manchester Law School is a pioneer of legal apprenticeships, enabling employers to grow their own high-calibre workforce to meet their business and client needs. “We are proud to support the entrepreneurial drive of businesses such as Napthens, engaging with this innovative pathway of recruiting the next generation of legal practitioners and legal services for their clients.”