Gordons, a law firm based in West Yorkshire, is celebrating the latest graduates of its law apprenticeship scheme.
Tegan Knappy and Kendall Philipson, who joined Gordons as apprentices in September 2018, have both now qualified as chartered legal executives.
The first of its kind
Tegan and Kendall have completed the Gordons law apprenticeship, which was the first of its kind in the UK legal sector when it was launched in 2011 to enable greater social mobility within the profession.
The five-year-long programme admits 18-year-old A-level school leaver entrants each September. Since it began, 36 young people have been apprentices at the firm and have gone on to pursue careers in the law.
Gordons’ apprenticeship scheme was the brainchild of senior partner, Paul Ayre, who said: “We are proud to be known as the law firm that launched the first apprenticeship of its kind in the UK legal sector.
“However, we are even more proud to have identified 36 bright and ambitious young people and provided them with the opportunity to gain access to a career in the profession.
“Tegan and Kendall are young lawyers with tremendous potential and now enter the next stage of their careers. As a firm that celebrates meritocracy and supports people with the right attitude and ability to succeed, Gordons will continue to develop them.”
Hear from the former apprentices
Following their graduation, Tegan is specialising in employment law whilst Kendall is working within the firm’s commercial property team.
Commenting on her apprenticeship, Tegan said: “Though it is challenging, Gordons’ apprenticeship scheme is accessible to any candidate with the right attitude and drive to succeed.
“The scheme allows individuals the opportunity to gain invaluable practical experience whilst also gaining a qualification free from any university debts, so it’s a win-win.”
As apprentices, both trained to become qualified lawyers through a combination of hands-on experience and academic study whilst Gordons paid their salary and course fees.
Kendall added: “I didn’t want to go to university so the apprenticeship scheme was the right route for me. Everyone at Gordons has been very supportive throughout my apprenticeship, with colleagues helping me through revision and course work as well as mentoring me at work.”
This article was first published on Yorkshire Legal News and was republished with permission of the original publisher.
