Home Appointments & Contracts Weightmans welcomes a new generation of solicitors in Newcastle

Weightmans welcomes a new generation of solicitors in Newcastle

Tim Grimes, Autumn Lish and Marcus Blakelock

National law firm Weightmans has welcomed three more university graduates to launch their legal careers through its trainee scheme following the firm’s expansion into the North East last month.

During the course of training contract, Marcus Blakelock, Autumn Lish and Tim Grimes, all based in Weightmans’ new Newcastle office, will work across the firm’s key areas of expertise, including commercial litigation, construction and engineering, corporate and commercial, employment, professional indemnity insurance and real estate.

The programme will cover four six-month rotations across Weightmans’ national groups and each trainee will be supported by an experienced mentor, gaining high level training and a comprehensive introduction to law.

The trainees have joined Weightmans’ 32-strong graduate scheme following the acquisition of Watson Burton in October 2019.


Marcus, who graduated from Northumbria University with a degree in Law, has completed a legal practice course and gained work experience in legal administration. Northumbria University M Law (Exempting) graduate, Autumn, received a training contract following the completion of her degree and after undertaking work experience with several North East-based law firms. Tim joins the training programme at Weightmans after completing a masters in LLM Legal Practice from Northumbria University.

Chris Graham, partner and head of Weightmans’ Newcastle office commented on the calibre of this year’s North East graduates:

“We’re delighted to welcome the next generation of trainees to the firm and look forward to helping the graduates build their careers in law. Throughout their training contract they will receive well-rounded, hands-on experience across our key service areas whilst developing crucial skills which go beyond black letter law – true commercial nous which will equip them well as our lawyers of the future.

“Marcus, Autumn and Tim all have demonstrated a real passion for law and it’s great to have them on board.”