Newcastle-headquartered law firm takes on 14 new trainees

Law firm Ward Hadaway has grown its team with the appointment of 14 new trainees.

The newcomers will take up posts this month across the company’s commercial, litigation, real estate, corporate, employment and housing teams in Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester.

One of the appointees, Isabelle Cernis, trained at the University of Leeds. She will start her career at Ward Hadaway’s office in the city with a seat in employment.

Isabelle said: “I would advise anyone wanting to pursue a career in law to meet as many people as possible who work in the legal sector as an opportunity for work experience could crop up at any time.”

Another, Alex Howarth, trained at Newcastle University for his undergraduate law degree and Northumbria University for his legal practice course.

On joining the firm’s Newcastle-based real estate team, Alex commented: “I have been working as a paralegal in Ward Hadaway’s healthcare team and have really enjoyed getting used to day-to-day life in the firm, developing relevant skills and getting to know people at all levels within the profession.

“I’m looking forward to my first seat in the real estate team and dealing with property matters. I have to say that the introduction of the firm’s dress down policy was a pleasant surprise.”

Ward Hadaway managing partner Martin Hulls and senior partner Jamie Martin welcomed the new trainees with a social get-together on their first day.

Martin said of the intake: “Jamie and I are delighted to be welcoming so many talented people through our doors.

“We had nearly 400 applications for places this year, so it’s great to see so many young, enthusiastic people keen to start their legal careers with us.”

Ward Hadaway is headquartered in Newcastle.