A bright future is in store for three newly qualified solicitors at a leading regional law firm.

Neeve Pearce (middle), Eleanor Young (left) and Cathy Fairweather (right), who are all in their 20s, have successfully completed training contracts with Williamsons Solicitors during 2024.

Neeve, who is from Hull, is working in the probate department, and Eleanor from Hessle, in the family and childcare department. Cathy, who originates from Gateshead, is practising in the firm’s clinical negligence department. All three have now been formally admitted to the national roll of solicitors.

The 18-month supervised training contracts, in which they gained experience in a variety of disciplines, followed a period working as paralegals at the firm, which operates from Hull, Bridlington and Driffield.

Williamsons has a consistent record for training and retaining new solicitors with the majority being offered permanent positions. With a recruitment strategy focused on developing homegrown talent, many young people from the area have developed long careers at the firm.

Neeve said that she enjoyed the personal nature of the work. “In the private client department I find it very rewarding to help people achieve an outcome which suits their needs and family life, and also to help them navigate what can be a very difficult time.”

Eleanor said that the family department enabled her to work on solving real day-to-day issues occurring in family life. “I have always known I wanted to practise family law but was concerned about the distressing nature and emotional impact of dealing with sensitive cases. My training has helped to address this.”

Cathy, who initially wanted to be a nurse before deciding that the legal side of medicine suited her better, said: “Clinical negligence cases very often follow traumatic incidents for clients, and I find it highly satisfying to be able to bring a little positivity to what can be bleak circumstances.”

Sarah Clubley, a Williamsons Solicitors owner-director, said: “We are always looking to foster the next generation of legal professionals are very pleased that Cathy, Eleanor and Neeve have started their careers with us. We are sure they have a bright future with us and wish them every success.”

Eleanor went to Hessle High School and studied law at the University of Leeds. Neeve attended Winifred Holtby Academy before studying at the University of Hull. Both completed their legal practice course at the University of Law, Leeds. Cathy studied at Teesside University, before completing her legal practice course at Northumbria University.

Williamsons is well known throughout the East Riding of Yorkshire and has a reputation for the quality of its services which are provided by a 125-strong team working from the head office in Hull, and branches in Bridlington and Driffield.

It provides comprehensive private client law services along with commercial property.