Carlisle law firm Wragg Mark-Bell Solicitors has appointed a new paralegal who will initially train as a police station representative with a view to becoming a trainee solicitor.
Sophie Oxtoby joins the Castle Street company having graduated earlier this year with a first class honours degree in law from the University of Northumbria.
She said that she was delighted to find a job with a law firm close to her hometown of Wigton.
“I was keen to stay in the local area, and even more so since COVID struck.
“It is a rare opportunity, with many of the big city firms recruiting years in advance.
“The perfect opportunity came up at a time where many things felt so uncertain.
“It’s a very hands-on role – I’m working in the crime department, but also helping with family cases and managing civil litigation cases, so I am getting some great experience in a number of different areas. I’m really enjoying working at the firm and excited about my future as a solicitor.”
Wragg Mark-Bell is known as one of the most dog-friendly businesses in Carlisle.
Miss Oxtoby’s pet, Marley, has had his first visit to the office and is already fitting in well with the rest of the team.
She added: “Marley is 12, but he’s really lively. He’s a rescue Jack Russell and Patterdale Terrier cross, and some of the other dogs here are quite small too, so it’s great to see him getting on well with them.”