Announcing 12 Newly Qualified Solicitors 

We are proud to have welcomed the next generation of legal talent with the appointment of 12 newly qualified solicitors following the completion of their training contracts with the full-service law firm – representing a retention rate of 92%.

Shanice Spencer is the newest member of the commercial services team, while Gabriella Norton has qualified into the energy team. Megan Walsh has been appointed to the private client team, Chris Royals has joined the real estate disputes team and Ellen Abrahall has taken up a role in the employment team.

Victoria Hill, Hanifah Nawaz and Kiera Wade now hold permanent positions in the real estate finance team, with Mia Georgiou strengthening the corporate team. Isobel Hartley has secured a role with the litigation team, while Fin Campbell has qualified in Scotland. Zenab Khatun, a valued colleague who had accepted a role in the real estate finance team, sadly passed away before being able to take up her position.

Victoria Tester, managing director, said: “We are incredibly proud to have extended offers to all our qualifying trainees this year, resulting in a strong retention rate and a talented cohort of newly qualified solicitors joining us.

“Each of them has shown dedication, adaptability and a real passion for delivering excellent client service during their training. It’s inspiring to see Shanice, Gabriella, Megan, Chris, Ellen, Victoria, Hanifah, Mia, Kiera, Isobel and Fin take this next step in their careers with us, and I’m excited to watch them continue to grow and make their mark at Shakespeare Martineau.

“While we celebrate these achievements, we also pause to remember our colleague, Zenab. Her loss is deeply felt across the firm, and our thoughts remain with her family, friends and all who knew her.”

We offer multiple routes to qualification, including traditional training contracts, SQE graduate apprenticeships, self-funded SQE pathways and CILEx options. There is no minimum degree requirement for all routes – the firm assesses candidates based on their potential and suitability for the role, rather than solely on academic qualifications.

For further information about our training contract programme, please visit www.shma.co.uk/careers/early-careers.

Photo caption (top to bottom, left to right): Shanice Spencer, Gabriella Norton, Megan Walsh, Chris Royals, Ellen Abrahall, Victoria Hill, Hanifah Nawaz, Kiera Wade, Mia Georgiou, Isobel Hartley, Fin Campbell, Zenab Khatun.