Ward Hadaway welcomes 14 new trainees

North East-based law firm Ward Hadaway has welcomed 14 trainee solicitors as part of its 2025 intake, with eight based across its Newcastle and Teesside offices – reinforcing its commitment to developing home-grown legal talent following its merger with The Endeavour Partnership earlier this year.

In Newcastle, Daisy Agar, Lia Murray-Smith, Ted Jemison, Kanyinsola Lawal and Orlaigh Mullen have joined the team, while Somer Pearson, Georgia Cowley and Iona Healy begin their training in Teesside.

Iona, one of the new Teesside-based trainees, said: “It’s a really exciting time to be joining Ward Hadaway. 

“The chance to start my legal career in Teesside, while being part of a national firm, is a fantastic opportunity. 

“We’ve had such a warm welcome already and I’m looking forward to the variety of experiences we’ll gain during our training. 

“Ward Hadaway is an amazing place to kick-start my career.”

The intake marks another milestone in the firm’s regional growth following the successful integration of its new Teesside team. 

Ward Hadaway is also set to expand its trainee programme nationally, opening opportunities in its Birmingham office for the first time from November 2025.

The new recruits are now settling into their first seats across departments including corporate, litigation, real estate and employment, gaining hands-on experience working alongside senior lawyers.

Caroline Jones, head of emerging talent at Ward Hadaway, added: “Our trainee programme continues to be one of the most important ways we invest in the firm’s future. 

“This year’s group represents a diverse mix of skills and backgrounds and we’re especially pleased to welcome our first Teesside-based trainees onto our programme since The Endeavour Partnership merger. 

“Each of our trainees brings something unique and we look forward to supporting them as they build their careers.”

Steven Petrie, managing partner at Ward Hadaway, added: “Nurturing emerging talent is central to the way we grow as a firm. Trainees bring fresh ideas, energy and ambition and they help us to stay connected to the changing expectations of clients and the profession. 

“Investing in people at the very start of their legal careers ensures we have the skills, insight and resilience needed for the future.”

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