Leicester trainee becomes one of the country’s youngest solicitors – at just 23 

Leicester-raised Gabriella Norton has qualified as a solicitor at just 23 years old – making her our youngest-ever fully qualified solicitor, and potentially the youngest in England and Wales.

Qualifying on 21 August, Gabriella, who was originally from South Staffordshire before moving to Leicester aged two, has accepted a permanent role in the commercial services team, based in our Leicester office, focusing on energy-related legal matters – one of the fastest-growing sectors and most dynamic sectors in the Midlands.

After completing her A-Levels at Leicester’s Bosworth Academy in 2019, she went straight on to study law at Nottingham Trent University. During her second year, she secured a training contract with the firm, and went onto complete her legal practice course at the University of Law in Nottingham. She then commenced her training contact in 2023.

Gabriella said: “Qualifying as a solicitor at 23 feels surreal – it’s the result of years of hard work, support and saying yes to every opportunity that came my way. I’m proud to be continuing my legal career with Shakespeare Martineau and joining the commercial services team, working on a range of exciting projects within the energy sector.”

Despite law not being offered as a subject at her school, Gabriella’s early interest in both creative and analytical subjects led her to choosing law over fashion marketing.

She said: “At school, I was torn between English, where I enjoyed interpreting and constructing arguments, and more creative subjects like art, where I could think outside of the box and express ideas visually.

“When it came to choosing my degree, I was split between law and fashion marketing. Visiting university open days helped me realise that law would allow me to exercise the skills I had developed in English while still offering room for creativity.”

“In the end I chose law because I felt it would keep me intellectually stimulated, allow me to make a meaningful difference and enable me to work with a variety of people across a number of different sectors.”

One of Gabriella’s standout achievements to date includes assisting the corporate team in advising the shareholders of the Alunet group of companies, UK Doors Online and SGG Manufacturing on a series of transactions, including the £32.8 million sale of the group to Eurocell Plc.

Victoria Tester, managing director, said: “Gabriella is a brilliant example of what can be achieved with ambition, hard work and the right support.

“We pride ourselves on being as supportive as possible to young people who are seeking a career in law. Our door is always open to those who demonstrate genuine passion, commitment and the desire to forge a successful legal career.

“We’re delighted to have given Gabriella her opportunity – one that she grasped with both hands – and to provide her with a route to qualification that enabled her to build valuable skills and experience.

“She’s shown dedication from day one and we’re thrilled she’s joining our commercial services team permanently. We look forward to continuing to support her as she develops what is clearly a very promising legal career.”