September will see the new trainees take their first seats at the firm: James Bloodworth (Property Litigation), Naomi Butt (Employment), Harry Close (Commercial Property), Lucy Easey (Private Client Advisory), Jaden Johnson (Corporate), Maisie Lee (Corporate), James Macfarlane (Regulatory and Corporate Defence), Will May (Social Housing), Florence Paul (Commercial Property), Jessica Richardson (Agriculture), Kira Sharp (Commercial Property), Megan Simpkins (Corporate), Ryan Smith (Corporate), James Smith (Commercial Property), Rowena Matterson (Commercial Litigation), Madison Taylor (Housebuilders), Natasha Thompson (SIPPS), Callum Traynor (Planning) and Tom Young (Commercial Property).
Despite the uncertainty created by the pandemic over the past 18 months, as well as attracting new talent Birketts has declared impressive retention rate numbers – 14 of 18 of the qualified cohort of gifted lawyers from the firm’s 2019 intake will be staying on as follows: Macauley Alsford (Corporate), Harrison Barber (Commercial Litigation), Amber Coteman (Private Client Advisory), Lauren Guiler (Family), Jessica Kilkelly (Corporate), Hannah Morris (Construction), Faye Milton (Commercial Litigation), Francesca Reason (Regulatory and Corporate Defence), Elliot Tayler (Corporate), Samuel Varney (Corporate), Raina Victor (Corporate) and Gemma Waldock (Private Client Advisory).
Due to previous relevant experience, two of the trainees from Birketts’ 2019 intake, Hannah Meara and Jordan Scott, were able to qualify earlier this year. As a result, Hannah and Jordan joined the firm’s Commercial Property and SIPPS teams respectively in March 2021.
Jonathan Agar, Chief Executive Officer for Birketts, said: “Birketts has always considered the development of talent as integral to its achievements. Despite the challenges thrown up by the pandemic this has been another very successful period for the firm, and we have no doubt that all of these exceptional individuals will play a key part in the firm’s continued growth. With Birketts receiving lots of high profile recognition this year, including being commended for Commercial Dispute Resolution, Commercial Property, Employment, Inheritance and Succession offerings in The Times: Best Law Firms 2021 listing, this is an exciting moment for our newly qualified trainees to start the next chapter of their profession and a great opportunity for those joining us afresh.”
Shaun Savory, Human Resources Director at Birketts, added: “These announcements speak to the appeal of the firm’s highly regarded training programme as well as its forward-looking approach, both of which continue to act as a draw for gifted individuals seeking to begin a career in law. For those who have qualified here, we would like to take this opportunity to celebrate their hard work, ambition and commitment.
"To qualify is always an achievement but to do so against a backdrop of trying circumstances generated by the pandemic is especially impressive, and the firm is proud to recognise the efforts of these individuals. The retention of talent further cement’s Birketts’ position in a competitive marketplace, and we are confident that our newly qualified lawyers will contribute to our ongoing success."
Image: L-R, Back row: Megan Simpkins, Ryan Smith, Callum Traynor, James Bloodworth, Will May, Rowena Matterson
Third row: Natasha Thompson, James Smith
Second row: Tom Young, Maudie Cousins, Florence Paul, Kira Sharp, Naomi Butt, Lucy Easey
Front row: James Macfarlane, Harry Close, Jaden Johnson, Madison Taylor-Last, Jessica Richardson and Maisie Lee
Credit: Carl Middleditch of Bushfire Photography.