HAPPENINGS IN HAMPSHIRE
Partner of Winchester firm Shentons Solicitors and Mediators awarded top legal prize
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artner Chloe Jay has been awarded the top prize at the Law Society’s Excellence Awards – the highest accolade for law firms in England and Wales.
Paris Smith continues to invest in its people
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aris Smith is delighted to announce the appointment of four new trainees, together with a number of other promotions and new hires across the firm. Trainees Sian McKernon, Louis Iveson, Henry Goodchild and Minaz Rahman started with the firm on 1 October, following a virtual assessment day back in the summer. Since lockdown in March, the firm has appointed five new solicitors and two paralegals, as well as adding to its data and compliance team. Sue Murphy has also joined the firm in the new position of head of business development and digital marketing. These appointments emphasise the firm’s commitment to investing in its people, across all departments. Peter Taylor, Managing Partner; “We are committed to helping all members of Paris Smith reach their full potential, to be the best versions of themselves, in an inspiring and safe working environment. The pandemic has not altered that sense of purpose. Indeed, we have expanded our team during the pandemic such has been the interest in the solutions and experience we are able to offer our clients and our communities. We are particularly delighted to welcome our 2020 cohort of prospective solicitors as they start their practical training after many years of academic focus. They join at an exciting time as we pivot the business to a more flexible way of working, maintaining our culture and ongoing commitment to enabling our clients to thrive through responsive, reliable and relevant expert advice.” ■
Chloe was announced as winner of the Solicitor of the Year in England and Wales. The judges noted that her social impact was “truly inspiring” – from speaking to students about legal careers to campaigning for legal funding, she is an exceptional example of a criminal defence solicitor who is dedicated to her work. The event – held virtually for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic – shines a spotlight on the achievements of solicitors in England and Wales. Professionals and their firms are recognised across a range of categories covering all areas of legal practice and business. Chloe said: ‘I am completely honoured to receive this award and am immensely proud to be a solicitor working in criminal justice.’ Shaun Underhill, Senior Partner, Shentons: ‘I am immensely proud of Chloe and her achievements which Chloe Jay are a credit to her and her determination, ability, empathy, compassion and humility whilst making hard yards in criminal defence; we are delighted for her and equally so that she is a partner in Shentons.’ Law Society of England and Wales President David Greene said: ‘2020 has been an extremely challenging year for the profession and the public. Solicitors have gone above and beyond in order to keep individual and business clients out of trouble, often at risk to their own mental, physical and financial health. At the Law Society Excellence Awards, we come together to celebrate outstanding success. There are more than 9,000 firms and 190,000 solicitors in England and Wales, so to win an Excellence Award is an extraordinary achievement. Congratulations to all the winners and those shortlisted.’ ■
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