Greenhalgh Kerr Solicitors are a specialist debt-recovery law firm based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. They currently have three aspring lawyers on the Level 3 Trainee Paralegal Apprenticeship programme with Damar. Olivia Grundy is 19 and tells us: “I like training as a Paralegal, as I am working with real life situations and scenarios which has helped my confidence and knowledge grow”. Olivia, from Wigan, added: “I believe that on-the-job learning works well as you gain a lot of experience whilst carrying out your studies”.
Her colleague Neve Mcloughlin had already completed her Level 2 Business Administration Apprenticeship with the award-winning firm. She recently commenced her level 3. Neve, also 19 and from Wigan, said: “I like how it’s given me a hands-on experience and an insight into what my future might look like, and what I can progress to”. Neve has already been involved in providing training to new staff joining the firm, a responsibility that evidences the development of her skills and confidence.
The third in this trio of talented young legal professionals is twenty-four year old Nicola Hayes from Wigan. “These young professionals demonstrate the commitment from Greenhalgh Kerr to invest in their employees”, commented Steve Bradley, Practice Manager. “We are keen to support the development of the next generation of legal talent. Neve, Olivia and Nicola are ambitious and with the support from their experienced and qualified colleagues, their on-the-job learning will equip them for a successful career in law practice.”
Greenhalgh Kerr has been established over twenty years and has become a market-leading law firm in the debt recovery arena. With extensive expertise in local authority and asset finance debts, the expanding firm is accredited for excellence by the Law Society. They have been shortlisted for various awards at local, regional and national levels, recently winning ‘Best Law Firm 2020 – North West England’ in the Small Business Awards. The judges said the firm demonstrated “evidence of expertise, dedication to customer service, with an ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation”.
This adds further recognition to the firms’ commitment to its people, and their development in providing a first-class service to their clients nationwide.
The apprentices have been busy with new work and have balanced their learning commitments with their day-to-day roles. In addition, they have been dealing with the challenges of working from home during the Covid-19 lockdown. All have done exceptionally well and continue to add value to their respective teams at Greenhalgh Kerr. Here at Damar we have been a preferred supplier to Greenhalgh Kerr for some years and we are pleased to continue supporting growth and developing talent at this first-class law firm.
Jackie Hardy, Account Manager at Damar, said “Whilst Greenhalgh Kerr have had experience of apprenticeships, they have only in more recent years explored legal apprenticeships. The content within legal apprenticeships has helped to develop staff members, both newly recruited and also those already employed, providing staff with the opportunity to progress their careers within the firm.
“Advertising for legal apprentices has attracted a more suitable selection of candidates, and the training has been relevant to learn the law and settle more quickly in to their roles. Progression routes from Legal Administration Apprenticeships to Paralegal Apprenticeships and even on to Solicitor Apprenticeship programmes has been very beneficial for everyone.
“Steve Bradley, Practice Manager at Greenhalgh Kerr Solicitors, was the Winner of the Practice Manager of the Year Award 2020 by The Law Society which demonstrates Steve’s support for the firm’s staff and efficiency of the business, making it a great place to work. Damar are proud to work with Greenhalgh Kerr Solicitors and look forward to growing their apprenticeship programmes with them.”