A trainee solicitor who showed drive and determination to pursue a career in law has been named ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at a regional awards ceremony.

Holly Moxon from Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors picked up the award at the 2022 in-Cumbria Business Awards which took place at The Halston in Carlisle. Holly was the first apprentice solicitor in Cumbria and is currently five years into a six-year apprenticeship with Cartmell Shepherd, which operates across Cumbria and Northumberland.

After her original plan to study law at university didn’t work out, she spotted an opening for an 18-month apprenticeship in business administration at the legal firm and identified it as an alternative way to get started in the industry. During her initial apprenticeship, she impressed the team with her positive attitude, enthusiasm and hard work which led to Cartmell Shepherd offering her a position as an apprentice solicitor.

Holly now uses her experience to inspire other young people to consider apprenticeships, giving career talks at local schools and events and acting as a mentor for those keen to follow a similar path. She said: “I think it’s important that young people are aware of alternative opportunities which are available.

“My apprenticeship allows me to combine work and study which means I can put into practice the theory I’ve learnt at university through practical, on-the-job experience. The team at Cartmell Shepherd are fantastic and have encouraged and supported me throughout my training.

“As part of my apprenticeship, I get to spend time in all of the firm’s departments which gives me a high quality understanding of different aspects of the profession.” Holly’s course involves one day of online study each week through a programme run by the BPP University in Manchester, with the other four days spent working at Cartmell Shepherd.

Managing Director of Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, Peter Stafford, said: “Legal apprenticeships offer great opportunities to identify and nurture talent. Holly is a great asset to Cartmell Shepherd and we are delighted that her hard work, commitment and dedication have been recognised by winning this award.”

Now in its sixth year, the in-Cumbria Business Awards celebrate the achievements of Cumbria’s business community across 12 categories. Cartmell Shepherd recently launched a new training programme offering graduates a more flexible route to qualifying as a solicitor.

As part of the scheme, law graduates have the chance to work part-time as a paralegal for Cartmell Shepherd while studying for their Law Practice Course (LPC) professional qualification, gaining valuable, on-the-job experience.

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