Leading Northern law firm Ward Hadaway has announced the recruitment of three new trainees into its Leeds office, with 13 trainees recruited nationally as it continues to grow.
Ward Hadaway welcomes Aimee Winterbottom, Elizabeth Collings and Ross Henderson to the team. The new recruits take the number of trainees in the Leeds office to five as the firm strengthens its commitment to developing the next generation of lawyers.
Caroline Jones, recruitment and emerging talent manager at the firm, said: “We’re delighted to welcome new trainees to our team in Leeds. At Ward Hadaway, we believe that nurturing talent and providing the right environment for growth is paramount. Our commitment to employee development is a priority, and we are excited to see our trainees thrive in our inclusive, supportive culture.”
By expanding its trainee programme, the firm continues to highlight its commitment to investing in emerging talent, shaping the legal landscape for years to come. Trainees embark on a two-year training contract, rotating through four distinct practice areas every six months, ensuring they acquire the necessary skills and expertise to practice as solicitors upon qualification.
Emma Digby, executive partner in the Leeds office, said: “It’s great to welcome more talented people who are eager to learn and follow a successful career in law. Our commitment to employee development and ensuring everyone is given the opportunities to fulfil their potential is central to the firm’s ethos. Having the right individuals with the necessary skills and capabilities is vital for us to achieve our vision and continue to grow, creating job opportunities for our future legal practitioners. By providing an environment where trainees can excel, Ward Hadaway is not only shaping its own future but also contributing to the development of the legal profession as a whole.”
Trainees are a key part of the firm’s people strategy with approximately 30% of the organisation’s current management team beginning their careers as Ward Hadaway trainees.
Aimee Winterbottom, one of the Leeds-based trainees, said: “I’m a big advocate of the recruitment process I experienced at Ward Hadaway. They were genuinely interested in my aspirations and career goals. Since I joined, the commitment to helping trainees step up to the newly qualified role and reach other professional milestones has been highly evident, which makes me confident about my long-term future at the firm.”
