Successful trainee programme at Crombie Wilkinson

Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors is a vibrant and growing law firm serving private and business clients across North Yorkshire from offices in York, Selby, Malton and Pickering. As part of the succession planning for the firm, which includes identifying leaders for the business for the future, their trainee programme is a key component in the mix of people development.

Charlotte Mountain, HR Adviser at the firm said “We endeavour to take on two trainees per year with a view to developing them as our solicitors of the future. Each trainee does four ‘seats’ over two years giving them time within different departments to experience differing areas of law. The trainees work through training checklists to ensure they get exposure and experience in all areas within a particular area of law in a supportive environment where they can learn and develop their skills. They are completely supervised by Department Heads, Directors and Associate Solicitors whilst at the same time encouraged to think and form advice based on the skills and knowledge they are learning.”

Duncan Morter, Managing Director said, “I am very pleased to say that the firm has recently seen Kajal Patel qualify as a solicitor into Dispute Resolution based in York and Bethany Foster into Private Client working from our Pickering office. We have also just taken on three new trainees from internal applications for the next year’s intake and are looking forward to developing their knowledge and skill base even more as they move to qualification in 2021.”

“The gruelling process of applying for a training contract seems a lifetime ago but I can now say it was all worth it!” said Kajal Patel on completing her training contract. ”My supervisors have all shown a genuine interest in my development and I have gained fantastic exposure to a range of work throughout my time at Crombie Wilkinson. During all my seats I have worked alongside intelligent and approachable solicitors who have made my learning experience both valuable and memorable. I would be lying if I said I hadn’t found my training contract challenging but at the same time a true accomplishment. Resilience and confidence are qualities that I obtained leading me to develop my passion for Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution. Litigation is rewarding, diverse and exciting and my journey at Crombie Wilkinson has enhanced my skillset and will only continue to do so as I begin my career as a Dispute Resolution Solicitor.”

Bethany Foster followed this up by adding “I am thrilled to be staying with Crombie’s post-qualification. During my time at Crombie Wilkinson, I have worked at all four of the firms’ offices and have built positive and long-standing relationships across the firm. I am very grateful for the guidance I have been given from both legal advisors and support staff during my training.

I have covered a range of areas of law, including Agricultural, Commercial, Family and Private Client. I am qualifying into Private Client, an area which I thoroughly enjoy. Providing clients with the peace of mind that their affairs are all in order, at what is often a very difficult time for them, is a very rewarding aspect of the job. Drafting Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney does not have to be stressful and I aim to provide clients with a personal service and clear advice.

The firm has a great team spirit and I love to get involved in the variety of activities the firm organises, such as bake sales, sponsored cycles and volunteering with Dementia Forward. These events bring us closer to the local community, which I believe is one of the firm’s greatest assets. I look forward to progressing in my career with Crombie Wilkinson and continuing to develop my skills and knowledge in the many years to come.”