Celebrating the Success of our Solicitor Apprentices 

Cartmell Shepherd is delighted to announce that two of its Graduate Solicitor Apprentices, Ashley Shepard and Joseph Halvorsen, have successfully passed the first part of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

The SQE 1 is a demanding assessment taken over two days. Successfully completing this milestone means Ashley and Joseph can progress to SQE 2, the final hurdle before becoming fully qualified solicitors.

Unlike the traditional Legal Practice Course (LPC) route which requires an additional year at university, Cartmell Shepherd’s graduate apprenticeship program enables aspiring solicitors to complete their studies while working.

Ashley began her legal career aged just 16 at Nicholson Portnell Solicitors in Hexham, prior to its acquisition by Cartmell Shepherd.

She became a residential conveyancing paralegal in 2017 and, in 2019, decided to train to become a solicitor, studying for her Law Degree at Northumbria University part time.

In the August of her final year, Ashley welcomed her first daughter. Impressively, Ashley continued studying during her maternity leave and graduated that December.

After an unsuccessful first attempt at SQE 1 in 2024, she put in extra hours of studying and passed the exam after resitting this year.

Reflecting on her achievement, Ashley said, “I’ve put a lot of work into my studies whilst juggling family life with a new baby, so it was a very proud moment when I found out I’d passed the exam. With SQE 1 now under my belt, I’m getting close to achieving my dream of becoming a Residential Property Solicitor.”

Ashley continued, “the apprenticeship route is a fantastic way into law. Northumbria University, Nicholson Portnell and Cartmell Shepherd have all been extremely supportive every step of the way. I’ve had some incredible mentors including former Senior Partner at Nicholson Portnell, Richard Nelson, who retired earlier this year.”

Joseph joined Cartmell Shepherd as a Solicitor Apprentice in 2023 after graduating at the top of his class with a First Class Honours in Law ( Clinical Learning ) LLB Hons from Lancaster University.

He first became interested in law after studying the subject at A-Level at Trinity School in Carlisle. While at University, Joseph worked in the University’s Law Clinic, advising students on legal matters under the supervision of a solicitor.

After joining Cartmell Shepherd, Joseph began his SQE preparations and passed SQE 1 in September 2025.

Joseph remarked, “Working while studying has been really beneficial. I’ve been able to get practical experience across different departments including Dispute Resolution, Property, and Private Client. Often, the material I’m learning in the course directly relates to what I encounter at work, so you’re able to apply the theory to real life situations.

I’d like to thank my colleagues at Cartmells for their fantastic support over the past two years. I’m looking forward to preparing for SQE 2 in January and plan to specialise in Dispute Resolution after qualifying.”

Director Mark Jackson said: “Nurturing the next generation of lawyers is essential for the future of Cartmell Shepherd. We value and support our trainees and put a lot of work into their development. It’s extremely rewarding to see them grow and succeed.I would like to congratulate Joseph and Ashley, who have done an excellent job in meeting the high standard required to pass SQE 1 and wish them the best of luck as they work towards qualifying in early 2026.”

To learn more about solicitor apprenticeships at Cartmell Shepherd, click here.