Ward Hadaway, a leading UK law firm, has expanded its team with 14 new trainee solicitors and a solicitor apprentice, supporting its growth under new leadership.
- The firm’s expansion brings the total number of employees to over 500 across regional offices in Leeds, Manchester, and Newcastle.
- These recruits will embark on a structured two-year training programme, with the solicitor apprentice qualifying in 2030, providing experience in various legal disciplines.
- The rigorous selection process reflects the firm’s high standards, with top students from across the UK earning places after an intensive recruitment process.
- Ward Hadaway is renowned for nurturing talent, evidenced by the commitment of newly qualified solicitors choosing to stay, affirming the firm’s dedication to career development.
Ward Hadaway has significantly bolstered its team by welcoming 14 trainee solicitors and one solicitor apprentice, illustrating its commitment to strategic growth under the guidance of Steven Petrie, who took on the role of managing partner in May 2024. This recruitment increases the firm’s headcount to over 500, distributed across its key locations in Leeds, Manchester, and Newcastle.
The trainee solicitors at Ward Hadaway will undertake a comprehensive two-year training programme, culminating in their qualification in 2026, while the solicitor apprentice will conclude their training in 2030. This programme is meticulously designed to provide trainees with extensive exposure to various legal disciplines, ensuring well-rounded professional development.
Ward Hadaway’s Partner and Training Principal, Matt Cormack, expressed his satisfaction in welcoming the new cohort, highlighting the rigorous training they will undergo. Cormack emphasised that securing a training contract at Ward Hadaway is indicative of the recruits’ skills and potential, noting the programme’s role in supporting employees at all career stages and enabling them to gain valuable experience across legal spheres.
The firm’s reputation for nurturing legal talent is well-established, with its training programme being highly competitive. Prospective trainees face a stringent recruitment process, including an assessment day, before being offered a place. Caroline Jones, Emerging Talent Manager, celebrated the arrival of the new trainees as an exciting time, underscoring the firm’s commitment to long-term career development and the success of its training initiatives.
New recruit Elizabeth Swales shared her enthusiasm about joining Ward Hadaway, recognising its esteemed reputation in developing future legal professionals. She expressed eagerness to explore different areas of law under the mentorship of experienced colleagues, a sentiment echoed by many of her fellow trainees.
Ward Hadaway continues to demonstrate its dedication to legal excellence and career development by investing in and retaining new talent.
