A new training scheme for property lawyers has produced its first graduates at Sheffield conveyancing firm PM Property Lawyers (PMPL).
The firm set up the training academy in March this year to give their staff the opportunity to become fully fledged property lawyers. The scheme is designed to identify potential ‘stars’ and give them a thorough grounding in all aspects of the conveyancing process. Everyone, from entry-level apprentices upwards, is eligible to start on the programme and progress their careers. Trainees have their own PM Passport to carry with them throughout their time at PMPL, with certificates and stamps for every level they pass.
Training manager Samantha Gabbitass, who devised the scheme, comments:
“The trainees have shown real determination and an eagerness to learn throughout their training. They’ve had a lot of practical experience as well as theory and they are now all set to run their own small caseloads. I am confident they will surpass their own expectations and be a real asset to the firm.”
Joanne Darwin, one of the new graduates, leapt at the chance to develop her career:
“Just short of a year ago I returned to conveyancing after a significant period of time away raising my family and also working in property management. I took on the role of conveyancing assistant and began to re-learn things I thought I had forgotten. Everything started to fall back into place and I was moved through to the role of senior assistant. I was then asked if I would like to take up the training as a property lawyer. This was quite a surprise as I have never undertaken any formal legal training, but with the support of my family I decided you are never too old try! It has been quite a learning curve, but everything has been tailored around our work and has been done in a way that made it interesting and informative. I’m really looking forward to the challenges ahead.”
And Managing Director, Harvey Harding, says:
“I’m extremely proud of our new graduates and how hard they’ve worked to achieve this. They have already had excellent feedback from their clients and I know they will continue to provide outstanding service and a high level of technical expertise. I’d also like to say a big thank you to Samantha for the great job she’s done in developing the programme.”
Six more PMPL trainees are now working their way through the programme.
