Start your career at Ramsdens

Katie Bonnard

Contract Start Date: September 2023

I am currently in my first seat of my Training Contract at Ramsdens Solicitors in the Child Care Department in York. Before starting my Training Contract, I worked in the Family Law Team also in York for two and a half years.

Within my time in the Family Team, I worked on a number of cases assisting clients with the divorce process and achieving financial settlement as well as some children and injunction matters. We accomplished financial settlement upon divorce through various routes including via Court hearings, the Collaborative Law Process and Roundtable Meetings as well as negotiations through solicitor correspondence. I worked in this team during the transition from the previous divorce law to the new divorce law introduced in April 2022. I found the impact of this transition on clients and the role of family solicitors very interesting as clients became more in control of their divorce.

I now undertake a number of roles within my seat in the Care Team in York. My day-to-day role involves drafting client statements and briefs to Counsel, attending hearings as litigation support for clients as well as sitting behind counsel and reviewing documents such as police disclosure and medical records.

Ramsdens Solicitors have been hugely supportive throughout transition from Legal Assistant to Trainee Solicitor and is an incredible firm to be a part of. The opportunities are endless and I am extremely excited for what is to come in my next three seats.

Niamh Docherty

Contract Start Date: September 2023

I am a first year Trainee Solicitor currently sat within our Court of Protection Health and Welfare department and Commercial Property department. Prior to this, my first seat was within our Private Client department at our Holmfirth office.

So far my role as a Trainee Solicitor has been incredibly varied. During my seat in Private Client I was exposed to high net-worth estates which were incredibly interesting and complex. I was able to draft the application to the Court for a Grant of Probate, liaise with various institutions to progress matters and learnt how to mitigate an estates inheritance tax liability.

My experience in the Court of Protection Health and Welfare department has allowed me to attend Court hearings, prepare witness statements and draft orders for the approval of the Judge. I have thoroughly enjoyed working closely with clients who require our assistance in often difficult and emotional circumstances. On the other hand, my exposure to Commercial Property matters has allowed me to gain a commercial mindset and take a different approach when working with our commercial clients. From drafting leases to exchanging contracts on the sale/purchase of a property and dealing with completion, I have been involved in various tasks.

I have found it particularly rewarding as a Trainee Solicitor at Ramsdens as I have been afforded the opportunity to work closely with clients whether that be on the phone, via email or in person. Such exposure has not only increased my confidence as a Trainee but I have been able to learn so much in such a short space of time. The open-door policy here at Ramsdens has allowed me to gain knowledge from various experienced colleagues who are always happy to go through a task that you have questions on or if you just need that little bit of extra guidance. It is definitely a fine balance between being trusted to take responsibility but having someone there for support if needed.

I’m looking forward to seeing what else I learn and how I will continue to grow in the remainder of my seat and thereafter in other departments.

lauren england

Contract Start Date: September 2022

I am a second year Trainee currently in my third seat in the Conveyancing Department. Prior to this I worked in our Commercial Property department in our Halifax office and our Private Client department in our Holmfirth office. 

Throughout my training contract, I have been involved in such a wide variation of both straight forward and complex matters and have really had a hands on experience from day one.  From drafting documents such as Leases and Licences in my Commercial Property seat, to Wills and Powers of Attorney in Private Client, then to dealing with a wide variety of property transactions in my Conveyancing seat, no two days are ever the same.

I won’t lie and say that starting a new seat isn’t daunting, because it is, however everyone in the firm is so supportive and on hand to help, that you find yourself getting to grips with things in no time, speaking with clients confidently and learning so much from such knowledgeable people within the firm.

One of the main things that attracted me to Ramsdens was their sense of community. You may see that we quite often use the saying #TeamRamsdens, because that is what we are, one team, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of it. I believe that having a good support network around you is invaluable, especially whilst conducting your training contract. I am frequently given the opportunity to get involved in charity and networking events across the region, which helps build on my personal development and confidence, but also helps establish connections within the community.

The past year as a Trainee as Ramsdens has really shaped me as an individual. I am more confident and certainly more knowledgeable than I was before and I look forward to the rest of my training with such a great firm.

emelia garnett

Contract Start Date: September 2022

I am a second year Trainee Apprentice Solicitor working within the Child Law Team in our York office. Prior to this I worked in our Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence team in Leeds.

Making the decision to commence my legal career straight after my law degree via the Graduate Entry Solicitor Apprenticeship was daunting, however I am so pleased I took the leap! Studying the SQE with BPP alongside working at Ramsdens has allowed me to put my knowledge into practice on a daily basis. This not only benefits my understanding and grades within the SQE, but it also improves my professional performance in the workplace. The support I have received from my team, and the firm as a whole, while balancing working life and the SQE, has been excellent.

I have been provided with an abundance of opportunities to assist in complex matters and attend various meetings, court hearings and inquests. I have been given the responsibility to manage a number of claims independently and conduct an approval hearing at court. It is great how keen Ramsdens are to engage trainees in a range of matters right from the get go. This has definitely improved my confidence.

Ramsdens is a fantastic firm to be part of, and to train with. The sense of community within our offices definitely does not go unnoticed, everyone is keen to help and support you with any issue you may come across. Ramsdens strongly prioritises personal and business development, and trainees are always encouraged to take part in networking events and represent the firm at legal events across Yorkshire.

I am really looking forward to my final year training with the firm and to see where my future with Ramsdens takes me.

COURTNEY MOORE

Contract Start Date: September 2023

I am a first year Trainee Solicitor currently sat within the Corporate department at our Edgerton office.  Prior to that, I worked as a Paralegal in the Litigation department. 

So far, among other things, I have drafted commercial agreements, attended meetings with clients, researched niche areas of law, and have been required to apply the Companies Act to various business transactions, such as the allotment of shares and the amendment of a company’s Articles of Association.   I am fortunate to have begun my training contract within the Corporate department because not only have I been given the opportunity to learn from some extremely knowledgeable corporate lawyers, but I believe gaining a fundamental understanding of this particular area of law will set me up nicely for my future seats.

 Ramsdens very much promotes personal development and growth.  As a Trainee, you are afforded a high level of responsibility which increases your confidence and enables you to progress into the kind of lawyer you want to be.   I am also encouraged by the firm to expand on my professional development by frequently attending networking events across the region.  These events have allowed me to establish business connections, and share knowledge and perspectives, all whilst advancing my professional career.

 I am optimistic about the next two years, and am looking forward to excelling my career with Ramsdens.

HOLLY RICHARDSON

Contract Start Date: September 2023

I am a first year Trainee Solicitor currently sat within the Child Law department at our Dewsbury office.  My first seat was with our Corporate department, and prior to that, I worked as a Paralegal in the Litigation department. 

During my time in the Corporate department,  I was able to gain experience on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters including shares and assets sales and purchases, share buybacks, Employee Ownership Trusts, and the drafting of various commercial agreements. 

Since being in the Child Law department, I have had the opportunity to attend court hearings behind counsel, draft statements of case,  and conduct general day-to-day file management on a number of matters.  I have also recently represented a client during PLO proceedings and undertaken my first piece of court advocacy by representing a client during an Issues Resolution Hearing. 

Ramsdens very much promotes personal development and growth.  As a Trainee, you are afforded a high level of responsibility which increases your confidence and enables you to progress into the kind of lawyer you want to be.   I am also encouraged by the firm to expand on my professional development by frequently attending networking events across the region.  These events have allowed me to establish business connections, and share knowledge and perspectives, all whilst advancing my professional career.

 I have enjoyed every minute of my Training Contract so far, and am looking forward to the year that lies ahead.

IBRAHIM SHAMCHIYEV

Contract Start Date: September 2023

 I am a first year Trainee Apprentice Solicitor. I work in the Litigation department, at our Leeds office.

 The idea of simultaneously studying for the SQE, while undertaking my training contract was a very lucrative choice. I enjoy putting theoretical education to practice and feel this is a very beneficial way to learn.

 Meeting clients, drafting documents and conducting research allows you to quickly pick up key skills. The one-to-one working relationships allow you to understand how to further improve and be the best version of yourself.  

 The wide range of expertise and knowledge within the firm is what attracted me to join, knowing that I would be able to develop my knowledge in numerous areas while doing my training contract.

 I can’t wait to further develop my skills and I am excited to see what the future holds. I am grateful for the opportunity provided to me by Ramsdens.

ALEX TATTERSALL

Contract Start Date: September 2023

I am a first year Trainee currently in the Commercial Property Department at Oakley House. Prior to this I worked in our Private Client and Conveyancing departments in York.

The best thing about training at Ramsdens is the exposure to varied work and the client contact you get, working closely with clients to make a recognisable difference. You will be expected to take responsibility of matters as though they were your own and manage client expectations. This experience as a Trainee really helps to set you up for life as an NQ and become a trusted adviser. I also find Ramsdens a very friendly place to work, with a great social atmosphere.

Ramsdens have provided me with a friendly and supportive working environment whilst being a Trainee. I have been able to gain real hands-on experience in dealing with clients and their files and have been given ample responsibilities to prepare me for qualification. Ramsdens have also been supportive in allowing me to develop my wider professional attributes, such as my networking and presentation skills, as trainees are often encouraged to attend various business development events. I am excited to continue to develop and contribute to the success of Ramsdens going forward.

OLIVIA WEBSTER

Contract Start Date: September 2022

I am currently in the third seat of my Training Contract at Ramsdens working in the Child Care department.

I am 13 months in to my training and can say that so far it has been a wonderful experience. I have been given experience in a range of departments allowing me insight into the various services offered by Ramsdens and helping me establish within myself the kind of lawyer I want to be. I have worked in Private Client, Commercial Property and Court of Protection before my current seat and each one has helped me develop a range of skills that will be invaluable when I qualify.

Throughout my training contract I have been able to attend court, run meetings, complete on property sales in the region of £1,000,000 and assist numerous vulnerable clients.

I have also been encouraged to expand my professional network and have been afforded the opportunity to attend many events with other trainees and solicitor firms within the region.

My training contract with Ramsdens so far has been everything I wanted it to be and more, the skills I have learnt and the support I have received from my supervisors and the firm as a whole has been excellent.