Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors is embracing local talent by offering a wider range of career pathways into the industry.

The law firm, which operates across Cumbria, Northumberland and nationally, recently welcomed four new members via different routes into employment.

The move consolidates Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors' pledge to foster individual development, and amplify legal knowledge and skills.

Joseph Halvorsen, 22, has joined the firm as an apprentice solicitor and will continue his law studies.

Sam Fawcett, 23, has been appointed as a trainee solicitor working towards his senior qualification.

Nina Bernard, 40, balances her part-time law assistant role with her third year of legal studies.

Meanwhile, Demi Stoddart, 18, has started work as an apprentice business administration assistant.

Peter Stafford, Managing Director of Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said: “As a company, we are extremely passionate about recruiting and nurturing local talent and providing exciting employment opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills within the industry.

“All four new recruits have impressed us with their enthusiasm and willingness to learn more about the legal profession, and we are really pleased to offer a variety of ways for people to pursue their career ambitions by creating positions most suited to their individual circumstances.”

Sam, who grew up on the family farm in Blencow, near Penrith, has bolstered an Agricultural team renowned nationally for its expertise.

Recently graduating from Northumbria University after completing his law degree and Legal Practice Course, he said: “I’ve always been aware of Cartmell Shepherd’s reputation, especially in the agricultural sector, and it was a natural choice for me to apply to begin my legal career here. "

Joseph will carry on his law studies at university while working as an apprentice solicitor, building on the degree he obtained from Lancaster University.

He said: “I really like the ethos of Cartmell Shepherd and they offer great training routes for graduates, backed up with excellent support from within the team, and I was impressed with their ongoing support for local organisations and charities, so it makes it a great place for me to start my career.”

Nina, managing multiple responsibilities including her beauty business, studying, and her role as a mother, praised the firm for granting her an opportunity to gain real-life experience propelling her studies and future legal career.

Nina. “Working at Cartmell Shepherd has given me the opportunity to get real-life experience which is invaluable to my studies and also my future legal career.

“I work alongside the team on different aspects of Family Law, from attending court hearings with one of the solicitors to client meetings, and it’s brilliant to be able to learn from and work with such a skilled and experienced team.”

Former Netherhall School pupil Demi, after successfully completing her advanced diploma in Policing at Lakes College, Workington, saw Cartmell Shepherd as an ideal place to apply her interest in law.

She said: “I’ve always been interested in law so when the opportunity came to apply for the role, I jumped at it. At Cartmell Shepherd, there are lots of opportunities to develop your career so I’m really looking forward to seeing where it will take me.”

Information about current vacancies is available on the Cartmell Shephard Solicitors website.

The firm has offices at Rosehill Carlisle, Carlisle city centre, Brampton, Haltwhistle, Penrith and Cockermouth.