Eight Newly Qualified Solicitors Appointed

We welcomed the next generation of legal talent with the appointment of eight newly qualified solicitors following the completion of their training contracts with the full-service law firm – representing a retention rate of 89%.

Sam Ellis has joined the commercial and IP team, Claire Lisiecki has qualified into the private client team, and Neelam Powar has been appointed to the employment team. Zoe Carney, Simran Kang and Katherine Richards have all taken up permanent positions in the litigation and restructuring team. Sandeep Multani will be completing a six-month central role with the risk team, while Sam Durrant has secured a role with the clinical negligence team.

Emily Cupi, one of our early ambitions development advisers, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to congratulate our 2021 cohort and welcome eight newly qualified lawyers to their permanent roles across a wide variety of departments.

“It was another stellar group of talented young lawyers, who all made an outstanding contribution to the firm through their energy, hard work and commitment. I am excited to see Sam, Claire, Neelam, Zoe, Simran, Katherine, Sandeep, and Sam flourish in their new roles.”

We also welcomed our latest cohort of 13 trainee solicitors, in our largest-ever intake. Shanice Spencer, based in the firm’s London hub, has commenced her first seat in litigation and restructuring, while Finlay Campbell is the newest member of its Scottish team.

In the East Midlands, Isobel Hartley has commenced her first seat in the contentious probate team, while Gabriella Norton has started her first seat in the commercial property and development team. Victoria Hill and Chris Royals are currently undertaking their training with the managed legal services and corporate teams respectively.

The firm’s trainees in the West Midlands are Mia Georgiou in litigation and restructuring, Megan Walsh in private client, Zenab Khatun in construction, Ellen Abrahall in social housing. The other trainees are Hannifah Nawaz and Connor Harper in real estate finance, and Kiera Wade in debt and asset recovery.

Emily said: “We are delighted to welcome 13 trainees to the firm across various regions, and we are committed to ensuring they receive the very best start to their legal careers. Our trainees are our future and make a valuable contribution to the firm, and we are proud to support them on their journey to becoming qualified solicitors.

“We firmly believe in investing in our people to ensure we have the skills and talent necessary to drive the firm’s future organic growth. I look forward to watching them grow and develop as lawyers in their time with us, and I am excited to see what the future holds for them.”

Applications for our 2026 training contract programme will be opening on 27 November. For further information, please visit www.shma.co.uk/careers/opportunities/training-contracts.