Schofield Sweeney focuses on emerging talent
Leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has underlined its commitment to emerging talent and retention, with the appointments of newly qualified staff, trainees, and four new apprentices.
The new appointments follow a series of senior recruits at the firm, aimed at delivering a strategic expansion of its service offering. The newly qualified staff and new trainees will help strengthen client relationships and position the firm for continued growth.
The newly qualified staff include Abi Miskimmon, who joins the Real Estate team; Victoria Boothby, who joins the Corporate team; and Zoe Halliday, who will join the Contentious Probate team. The new trainees, who previously worked as paralegals at the firm, include Andrada Frates, Jessica Dolan, and Chloe Lamont.
As part of the firm’s commitment to mentoring young talent, four new apprentices – Libby Daniels, Emily Garner, Aimee Firth and Esme Ghafoor – have also joined the team to begin their law careers.
The solicitor apprenticeship, which spans six years, includes three seat rotations across different practice areas, with an optional fourth rotation prior to qualification. This structure allows apprentices to gain hands-on experience, develop a broad legal skillset, and experience life as a solicitor from an early stage.
Graham Sweeney, Managing Partner at Schofield Sweeney, said: “We pride ourselves on mentoring and developing our young talent so they can fulfil their potential within the firm. It’s fantastic to see so many newly qualified staff and new trainees remaining with the business, and as a firm, we’re exceptionally proud of our retention rate, which reflects the supportive culture and clear development pathways we offer.
“Apprenticeships are really important in terms of social mobility – emphasising that law is not for the elite or those that have been to University but that it is an accessible career open to a wide range of people. We look forward to our apprentices, trainees and newly qualified team take the next step in their legal careers.”
Aimee Firth joins the business after completing her A-Levels. She said: “I decided to begin my law career with Schofield Sweeney because I wanted to develop my skills and build knowledge while gaining real experience on the job. I’m looking forward to working in the Private Wealth and Litigation teams, where I can learn from experienced professionals.”
Libby Daniels, who starts her rotations with the Private Wealth team, added: “I’m eager to learn and gain a clear understanding of what it takes to become a solicitor at Schofield Sweeney. I’m excited to develop my collaborative skills, build a strong professional network and contribute to meaningful client work.”