Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire’s largest law firm, Wilkin Chapman, celebrates five newly-qualified solicitors following completion of their training contracts.
After a two-year training programme, Alisha Bingham, Lauren Osborne, Kelsey Jerrard, Rosanna Lindley-McGovern, and Sarah Johnson will specialise in disciplines including commercial property, corporate and commercial, and medical negligence.
They will be based in Beverley, Louth, Grimsby and Lincoln, supporting Wilkin Chapman’s clients across the region.
The promotion of the five trainees coincides with the arrival of ten more trainees at the firm who are hoping to follow in their footsteps.
Alishia Bingham attended work experience at Wilkin Chapman during university, choosing this career path after studying law at A Level. After visiting the local court in her free time and watching several cases, she knew that she wanted to become a solicitor.
Alishia Bingham, newly qualified solicitor in Beverley, said:
“I’ve really enjoyed being a trainee solicitor at Wilkin Chapman. I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of different departments across two different offices. Every department has been really friendly and supportive and made me feel a part of the team from my first day.
“I was attracted to Wilkin Chapman after my work experience – I liked how friendly and down to earth everyone was. I also liked how approachable the partners were in the office, and knew it would be a great place to train. Wilkin Chapman is also a full service law firm which allows trainees to experience seats in a wide range of areas, which was something that was particularly attractive to me.”
Kelsey Jerrard started her journey in law at Franklin College in Grimsby, soon realising that this was the path for her. After attending university and having a year out following the arrival of her son, she then joined Wilkin Chapman as a paralegal, before being accepted onto a training contract.
Kelsey Jerrard, newly qualified solicitor in Grimsby, said:
“My experience as a trainee solicitor at Wilkin Chapman has been amazing. The high quality of work I have been given, plus the client engagement that I have had the opportunity to experience, has been invaluable in preparing me for my career as a solicitor. The teams I have worked with have made me feel so welcome from day one.
“Growing up in Grimsby, Wilkin Chapman had always been on my radar, as I watched the firm grow over the years. I was offered a job as a paralegal to get my foot in the door, giving me the opportunity to see how the firm operates. The welcoming response that I received alongside the support in applying for a training contact showed that this is the firm for me!”
After being introduced to Wilkin Chapman at a university law fair, the then history undergraduate student, Lauren Osborne applied for work experience with the firm – and it was here that she decided on law as her chosen career path.
Lauren Osborne, newly qualified solicitor in Lincoln, said:
“I completed work experience at Wilkin Chapman and quickly learned that approachability resonated throughout the whole firm, after my two years of training I strongly believe it sits true to the core of the ethos of the firm as a whole.”
“My training experience has been great. I have been exposed to high quality and varied work throughout my training and have received excellent support from all of my supervisors. I’ve also found a new home in Lincoln, and made great friendships along the way.
“I’m grateful to have had such great opportunities during my period of training and look forward to developing my career as a solicitor with the firm.”
Rosanna Lindley-McGovern applied for a solicitor training contract with Wilkin Chapman due to its respectable status within the industry, and as a result of the firm having a variety of specialisms available.
Rosanna Lindley-McGovern, newly qualified solicitor in Lincoln, said:
“My experience as a trainee solicitor at Wilkin Chapman has been full on, but in the best possible way! You are treated as a fee earner from the get-go, and you are given the opportunity to be independent and run cases with support along the way. It has been an excellent introduction to being a solicitor.
“My favourite part of the role is learning new skills; there’s always something new to learn which can improve how you approach your work, how you correspond with clients, and how you can get a better result for your client.”
After a number of years in an accounts management role, Sarah Johnson decided to pursue a career in law and began a position as a paralegal at Wilkin Chapman before applying for a training contract with the firm.
Sarah Johnson, newly qualified solicitor in Louth, said:
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience as a trainee solicitor. The experience so far has been incredibly varied and all of my colleagues were really approachable and supportive. I have received exceptional training and believe it has given me a great foundation for a successful career.
“I was attracted to Wilkin Chapman as it is the leading law firm locally. It has a great reputation and I knew that the level of training received would be unrivalled locally.
“As a mum to two young children, the flexible working policy, and having the support of supervisors who understand the struggles of balancing work and family life, has made thestart of my legal career possible!
With over 400 partners and staff located across a network of legal offices in Grimsby, Lincoln, Beverley and Louth, Wilkin Chapman is the largest law firm in the Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire area and it ranks as the 111th largest firm in the UK, with offices in Grimsby, Lincoln, Beverley and Louth. Wilkin Chapman provides trusted legal and insolvency advice to both private and commercial clients who are based locally, nationally and internationally.
