A North West law firm has expanded its South Cumbrian office.
Napthens recently announced a major expansion of its Kendal hub with seven appointments, taking staff numbers to 20, including business administration apprentice Jodie May Eldon.
Jodie joined Kendal College to study a business management and administration T-Level but discovered that a full-time course wasn’t beneficial and decide to leave and research career opportunities via apprenticeships.
She discovered that the Napthens’ apprenticeship scheme provided via the firm’s emerging talent development programme Flourish gave her with what Jodie described as ‘the perfect opportunity’ to gain hands-on practical experience while learning about theory by continuing to attend Kendal College one day a week.
Jodie said: “I attend Kendal College for off-the-job training to study business because the course gives me the knowledge I need of business fundamentals that apply to my role at Napthens in Kendal.
“I’ve become more confident in myself and appreciate that colleagues trust me to complete tasks independently. The whole experience is really rewarding, allowing me to work with professional people and gain invaluable work-based knowledge that I wouldn’t get on a full-time course.”
When her Kendal College course ends, Jodie will have a Level 3 business qualification and Level 2 IT diploma.
She added: “I’ve always been fascinated by law and since I was much younger, knew that I wanted to pursue a career in law. My ultimate goal is to become a solicitor and working at Napthens is helping me to shape my future.”
Jodie said she was particularly grateful to the support and guidance provided by Jamie Allison, partner, head of Cumbria and real estate across the firm.
Jamie said: “Engaging with and recruiting apprentices is vital for the successful and continued growth of a business like Napthens. Jodie ensures that the team runs smoothly in the office, she’s learning new skills on the job in a busy environment and quickly picked up the skills she requires to support us and our office needs.
“It’s not only about recruiting the next generation but about retaining talent, like Jodie, in Cumbria and providing the right training. Hiring business apprentices is crucial for law firms because it provides a way to develop a skilled and loyal workforce.
“Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and tailored training, ensuring that apprentices are well-equipped to meet the firm’s specific needs. This not only enhances productivity but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within the firm. She has been a blessing to the team and we work really well together.”
Overall, Napthens recently appointed nine new trainees, including two apprentices.
Simon Price, head of learning and development at Napthens, said: “Flourish has been co-created with lawyers and professional colleagues from across the firm.
“The Flourish curriculum enables our people to learn key business, financial, technical, digital and professional skills at the start of their careers and will enable them to flourish in their roles with the firm.”
Napthens’ head of people and operations, Nicola Mason, added: “Apprenticeships enable us to widen the demographic of candidates for all roles, opening a career in the legal profession to people who might not ordinarily think it could be for them.
“Our trainee programme has always been an essential part of who we are. As a firm, we are passionate about access to law and supporting great minds to fulfil their potential in law.
“We look forward to watching the progress of all our new colleagues, as they navigate a path to a legal career, always supported by people and teams across the firm.”
