The Yorkshire Legal Awards 2024 sees a significant nominee as Rachel Roche is recognised among predominantly London-based contenders.
- Rachel Roche stands out as the sole representative from the North of England in the Innovative Leaders category.
- Her contributions and innovations are poised to challenge perceptions of the legal profession’s London-centric nature.
- Rachel attributes her success to the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK programme, which she recently completed.
- Gary Lumby MBE, a notable growth expert, offers high praise for her performance on the programme.
The Yorkshire Legal Awards 2024 has unveiled its shortlist, highlighting Lawyer Rachel Roche as a notable contender. Her nomination in the Innovative Leaders category is particularly significant as she is the only representative from the North of England amidst a predominantly London-centric selection. This recognition underscores her remarkable contributions to the legal sector and her efforts to shift traditional perceptions of the industry’s geographic concentration.
Rachel Roche’s journey to this acknowledgment is deeply interlinked with her recent graduation from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK programme, conducted at Saïd Business School, Oxford. Selected through a rigorous process, she was the only lawyer in a cohort of 70, further emphasising her unique position. Rachel credits her achievements to the insights and networks gained during this programme, which is renowned for accepting only the top 20% of the fastest-growing businesses in the UK.
Under the mentorship of Gary Lumby MBE, former UK director of SME banking for Yorkshire Bank and Clydesdale Bank, Rachel developed a bespoke five-year growth plan for her business. This strategic roadmap was tailored specifically to her aspirations and the needs of her law firm, Roche Legal. Gary Lumby acknowledged her not only as a highly capable lawyer but also as an intelligent businesswoman who contributed significantly to the programme’s cohort.
The environment of the Goldman Sachs programme, involving intensive courses in Manchester and Oxford, alongside virtual sessions, stands out as a pivotal component of Rachel’s professional growth. The residential courses, combined with rigorous calls and assignments, allowed her to fundamentally transform her approach to legal practice, focusing not only on her role as a lawyer but also as a proactive entrepreneur.
Gary Lumby praised Rachel’s capabilities and her substantial input into the programme. Her participation and achievements demonstrate her commitment to not only advancing her business interests but also to fostering broader regional representation in national dialogues. Rachel’s engagement in this programme and her subsequent recognition suggest a promising future for her ambitions to influence the legal field in innovative ways.
Rachel Roche’s accomplishments and recognition signify a shift towards a more inclusive view of legal excellence beyond London.
