Ward Hadaway welcomes 7 newly qualified solicitors

They will each take up roles across a range of departments, including private client, social housing, housing, employment and commercial litigation.

5 of the newly qualified solicitors are based in Newcastle, with Abigail McAllister joining our private client team, Anna Thorp joining social housing, Dania Abu-Harb joining commercial litigation, Ella Edmunds joining housing and Sophie Edgar joining employment.

Elizabeth Swales qualifies into our employment team in Leeds, while Laurence Colgan joins our commercial litigation team in Manchester.

Caroline Jones, Head of Emerging Talent at Ward Hadaway, said: “Qualifying as a solicitor is a major achievement and I’m delighted to see Abigail, Anna, Dania, Ella, Sophie, Elizabeth and Laurence take this next step in their careers with Ward Hadaway.

“They have worked incredibly hard throughout their training contracts and have shown the ability, commitment and judgement needed to build successful careers in law.

“Our training programme is designed to give people real experience across different areas of law, while making sure they have the support and guidance they need as they develop. It is always a proud moment when trainees qualify with us, and I look forward to seeing them continue to progress in their new roles.”

Ward Hadaway’s training contracts give trainees experience across different departments and offices, with successful candidates working alongside lawyers across a broad range of specialisms before qualifying into permanent roles.

Sophie Edgar, who joins the employment team in Newcastle, said: “Completing my training contract with Ward Hadaway has given me the opportunity to learn from experienced lawyers across the firm and build my confidence across a range of legal work.

“The support I have received from colleagues and the emerging talent team has made a real difference throughout the process, particularly as I moved between seats and began to think about where I wanted to qualify.

“I’m really pleased to be continuing my career with the firm and to be joining the employment team as a newly qualified solicitor.”

The appointments come as Ward Hadaway continues to invest in developing legal talent across its offices in Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Teesside.

Managing Partner Steven Petrie said: “Our newly qualified solicitors are an important part of the future of Ward Hadaway, and it is excellent to see 7 talented lawyers continuing their careers with us.

“Recruiting, developing and retaining good people is central to the service we provide to clients and to the long-term strength and growth of the business.

“They have already made a strong contribution during their training contracts, and I am very pleased to congratulate them on qualifying.”