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Ward Hadaway apprentice building on firm foundations during National Apprenticeships Week 2018

A Ward Hadaway paralegal in the property team is building on firm foundations during National Apprenticeships Week 2018.

Ward Hadaway apprentice Danny Costello

Danny Costello has been with the Manchester office of the Top 100 law firm for three years, having initially started out as an administration assistant.

He was accepted on to the firm’s apprenticeship scheme two years ago, during which time Ward Hadaway has provided practical experience and mentored him through his academic studies, as well as paying his salary and course fees.

The 21-year-old currently works as a paralegal in the Residential Plots Sales Team where he puts his college studies into practice on a daily basis.

To showcase his apprenticeship and generate further interest, Danny will speak to other young students at the Manchester office and also to students from St Bede’s College, who are considering taking up a career in law, during the 11th National Apprenticeship Week (NAW 2018) which runs from today until 9 March 2018.

During this week employers and apprentices across the country will celebrate the success of apprenticeships while encouraging even more people to choose this route as a pathway to a great career.

Danny said: “Applying for the Ward Hadaway apprenticeship programme was the best choice I have made. I’ve been able to get some great hands-on experience under the supervision of senior lawyers like Paul Johnson, Andrew Dunn, Tony Nutting and many more, who have provided me with vast amounts of knowledge and years of practical experience when it comes to practising law.

“I hope more students realise that an apprenticeship route is a viable option to becoming a lawyer. Ward Hadaway recognises that you don’t have to just go to university to succeed as a lawyer and I am so grateful that they have given me this opportunity.

“The firm is supportive of me undertaking my Higher Apprenticeship in Legal Services programme which I hope to start in September 2018, and involves studying towards my law degree and also the competency aspects of law to become a fully qualified solicitor”.

Danny was recently shortlisted in the Apprentice of the Year category of the Made In Manchester Awards 2018.

“I was delighted to be shortlisted for a Made In Manchester award and see it as a huge honour to have been nominated by my fellow colleagues. I’m hugely proud to be one of Ward Hadaway’s legal apprentices,” said Danny.

Paul Johnson, Corporate partner at Ward Hadaway and Executive Partner for the firm’s Manchester office, said: “Apprenticeships are a brilliant way to foster emerging talent within our firm and I am delighted that Dan has taken the opportunity to build on his skills with us.

“Recruiting bright, enthusiastic and promising young people is important to us across our three offices in Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester. Dan is a real asset to our Property team and we are so pleased for him and all he has achieved so far in his time with us at Ward Hadaway in Manchester.

“The value of playing a part in Dan’s development cannot be understated. We know he will do well in his career and will continue to make an invaluable contribution to Ward Hadaway. Being shortlisted for a major award is also testament to his hard work and determination.”

Please note that this briefing is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.

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