Have you ever considered a career in law, but thought it wasn’t for you, or you didn’t have the right qualifications?
There are many routes into the legal industry and opportunities that people are unaware of that do not require a law degree or degree of any type, such as legal secretary, legal assistant, legal executive, solicitor, paralegal, conveyancer, IT or HR.
Also any other degree from science to history can also provide an alternative route into a legal career.
Bendles Solicitors in Carlisle are going through a sustained period of growth more recently they have taken on several new members of the team but are still on the look out for more passionate people to work with them in a variety of support roles, such as receptionist, legal secretary, business admin apprentice and further paralegal or solicitor positions.
“We are looking for people with drive and an enthusiasm who want to be part of a growing team. We don’t always need the most qualified people or those with experience, just a desire to learn and a commitment to the role.
“There are so many opportunities at Bendles to work in legal practice or in a support role and a career in law is achievable for anyone,” said John Stevenson, managing partner.
The company, with offices in Carlisle and Wigton have taken on several new members of the team in recent months in order to provide depth and further expertise in both their property and litigation teams coupled with internal promotions.
As the firm continues to deliver service excellence, the new recruits will aid further expansion and succession of the practice.
Amy Holmes – Legal secretary
Amy joined the Carlisle office as a business admin apprentice in 2016 and became a secretary in 2018.
Progression opportunities exist within the firm and Amy is testimony to this.
After working as a secretary within conveyancing, Amy continued to build on her experience and develop her skills within the department.
In 2021, becoming a trainee conveyancing was a natural next step for Amy.
Amy said: “I enjoy working with the team at Bendles. It is a good environment and I enjoy the work I do and the people I work with. It is always a very busy office, and sometimes challenging, particularly in the last year, but it is also very rewarding to know that you are helping people get onto the property ladder.”
Charlotte Graham – Senior property paralegal
Charlotte Graham joined Bendles Solicitors in May 2021 as a senior property paralegal in the agricultural and commercial department.
Based in the Carlisle office, she works closely with the property department heads providing legal advice and assistance to clients across residential, commercial, agricultural and general property matters.
Charlotte has been working as a paralegal for three years and is also studying a bachelor of law (honours) degree with the Open University, on a part-time basis outside of work.
She is currently in her penultimate year – year five out of six.
Charlotte said: “My job is different every day. I am currently working with a mixture of property types (residential, commercial and agricultural) to assist our residential team through the hectic market at the moment.
“I enjoy supporting clients on their journey through a property transaction, it can be an extremely stressful process. I particularly enjoy working with agricultural property and agricultural clients, coming from a third-generation farming family in Cumbria, agricultural property is of keen interest to me.”
Ryan Palmer – Paralegal in residential conveyancing
Another paralegal new to the Bendles team is Ryan Palmer, who is originally from Scotland, but has lived in Carlisle for eight years.
Ryan began with the firm in June 2021 and obtained his masters in law degree at the University of Central Lancashire.
Also based in the Carlisle office, Ryan’s work is primarily in residential conveyancing, liaising with clients and updating them on their sale or purchase. Sending out contract packs to buyers and preparing files for completion.
Ryan said: “I really wanted to get hands-on experience in a legal practice to kickstart my legal career. I’d love to gain a training contract qualifying as a solicitor in the future.
“I really enjoy helping people purchase their first house and guiding them through the largest investment they will most likely make. Bendles is a great place to work as everyone is friendly and approachable.”
Jack Hannah – Paralegal in litigation
Jack joins the Bendles team straight from the University of Northumbria, where he studied law in a four-year integrated masters course.
Whilst at University, Jack was part of the Student Law Office, which allowed him to gain valuable experience of a legal workplace.
Seeing a glimpse of how a solicitor works fuelled his passion for law and he is delighted to have secured a role in the litigation team at Bendles.
Jack is enthusiastic about his new role and added: “I have loved my time at Bendles so far.
“Everyone is very welcoming, easy to talk to and always have a smile on their face – regardless of how many questions I ask! I am eager to learn and am excited about the opportunities to develop at Bendles.
“There are so many different areas of law which the firm cover, so I am eager to learn about all these different areas of law.”
Jack is Cumbrian born and bred. He lived in Newcastle during his time university, but it didn’t feel like “home”, so he moved back with the view to stay in Carlisle long term.
To find out more about the current roles and numerous benefits available at Bendles Solicitors please visit https://www.bendlessolicitors.co.uk/careers/
