The support needed by businesses and individuals, not only coping with the pandemic, but also the post-Brexit commercial environment ensured it has been a busy period for the legal sector, yet some law firms still chose to make redundancies, restrict recruitment and cancel training contracts.
Taylor Walton has bucked that trend as it welcomed three new trainee solicitors to the regional practice, which has offices in Luton, St. Albans and Harpenden.
Although for logistical reasons the firm delayed the start of the September 2020 intake, the trainees’ two years in-practice training began in March of this year.
They were welcomed to the firm by Stephanie Simon, Taylor Walton’s People & Talent Partner, who said: “Given the way training contracts for aspiring lawyers have been adversely affected by the pandemic, we were committed to honour the offers made to our trainees, as they take their first steps in what we hope will be a fulfilling and successful legal career, ideally with Taylor Walton.
“We have an established history of retaining our trainees, with 100% retention in many years. Our trainees are significant for the future of the firm and our environment is geared to nurture talent and allow individuals to realise their potential.
“Our current Managing Partner, Dermot Carey, was himself a trainee with the firm and is a great example of what’s possible for those training with us. Even during the pandemic, we have retained trainees, with newly qualified Solicitor Howard Byers accepting a permanent role within our Commercial Real Estate team.”
“Key to the firm’s success and our exemplary record of retaining trainees is the collegial, supportive environment, recognising people are our most valuable and important asset. It is our responsibility to allow people to grow their skills and develop careers driving our business forward.”
Hannah Borner, now an Associate Solicitor, joined Taylor Walton as a Trainee Solicitor in 2013 after a placement on the firm’s Summer Scheme. Following qualification in 2015, she joined the Private Client team: “As a trainee, I had a lot of client contact and was given early responsibility whilst being supported and supervised.
“I really enjoyed working so closely with the partners, which allowed me to start to develop the skills and expertise I need to forge ahead in my career as a solicitor.
“My training contract was varied and allowed me to experience work in Commercial Real Estate, Employment and Commercial Litigation. I knew I wanted to stay with Taylor Walton on qualification and was thrilled to receive my offer in Private Client.”
Stephanie Simon said: “Taylor Walton is proud of its people retention rate, with many measuring their time with the firm in decades, rather than years. We attribute this success in part to our long-term investment in individual development and the calibre of individuals our reputation attracts.
“Prospective clients assume we know the law and the advice provided will be of the highest quality; that’s a given. But it is our people that give Taylor Walton a distinct competitive edge.”
Taylor Walton is recognised as a leader in trainee solicitor recruitment and training, most recently scooping the LawCareers.Net Award for Best Trainer [of Trainee Solicitors] Medium Regional Law Firm.
Contact Taylor Walton on 01582 731161 or visit www.taylorwalton.com
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