Legal firm widens career pathways into profession for talented recruits

A LEADING legal firm is recruiting local talent by offering a wider range of career pathways into the industry.

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors has welcomed four new members of staff by providing different routes into employment, underlining the legal firm’s commitment to developing and supporting individuals’ legal knowledge and expertise.

Joseph Halvorsen, 22, will continue his studies in law while working at Cartmells as an apprentice solicitor, while Sam Fawcett, 23, has been appointed as a trainee solicitor as he works towards gaining his senior qualification.

Nina Bernard, 40, is combining her part-time role as a legal assistant with the third year of studying her law degree, and Demi Stoddart, 18, has started work as an apprentice business administration assistant.

Peter Stafford, Managing Director of Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said: “As a company, we are extremely passionate about recruiting and nurturing local talent and providing exciting employment opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills within the industry.

“All four new recruits have impressed us with their enthusiasm and willingness to learn more about the legal profession, and we are really pleased to offer a variety of ways for people to pursue their career ambitions by creating positions most suited to their individual circumstances.”

Sam, who grew up on the family farm in Blencow, near Penrith, joins an Agricultural team which is nationally recognised for its expertise after it once again secured top level ranking in the prestigious Chambers UK Legal Guide 2024.

Sam, who recently graduated from Northumbria University after completing his law degree and Legal Practice Course, said: “I’ve always been aware of Cartmell Shepherd’s reputation, especially in the agricultural sector, and it was a natural choice for me to apply to begin my legal career here. I’m really enjoying being part of the team and I’m looking forward to learning from their experience and expertise.”

Joseph, meanwhile, will continue to study law at university while working as an apprentice at Cartmell Shepherd, building on the degree he achieved at Lancaster University.

He said:  “I really like the ethos of Cartmell Shepherd and they offer great training routes for graduates, backed up with excellent support from within the team, and I was impressed with their ongoing support for local organisations and charities, so it makes it a great place for me to start my career.”

Nina, who will work from the legal firm’s Cockermouth office, also runs her own beauty business in the town so will be kept busy managing that, working part-time at Cartmell Shepherd and studying her law degree – as well as being a mother to her two young children.

She initially asked to carry out some work experience and was then offered the opportunity to join the company to further develop her career.

“Studying law is something I had always wanted to do so I decided to go for it when my children started school,” said Nina. “Working at Cartmell Shepherd has given me the opportunity to get real-life experience which is invaluable to my studies and also my future legal career.”

“I work alongside the team on different aspects of Family Law, from attending court hearings with one of the solicitors to client meetings, and it’s brilliant to be able to learn from and work with such a skilled and experienced team.”

Former Netherall School pupil Demi joins the firm’s Cockermouth team following her advanced diploma in Policing at Lakes College, in Workington.

She said: “I’ve always been interested in law so when the opportunity came to apply for the role, I jumped at it. At Cartmell Shepherd, there are lots of opportunities to develop your career so I’m really looking forward to seeing where it will take me.”

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors has an ongoing recruitment drive to attract talented people into the company. Click to see a list of current vacancies.

The law firm operates across Cumbria, Northumberland and nationally, and has six offices at Rosehill Carlisle, Carlisle city centre, Brampton, Haltwhistle, Penrith and Cockermouth, with its full range of legal services available from all of its offices, delivered by a team of 45 solicitors and legal executives.