In a significant milestone for Watson Woodhouse and Macks Solicitors, we are proud to announce the qualification of four trainee solicitors. This incredible achievement marks a pivotal moment in their individual careers.
Annabelle Poole, Matthew Taylor, Paris Thompson, and Sarah Smith!
Annabelle Poole is currently working in the Watson Woodhouse Crown Court Department. During her training period, Annabelle also became an Accredited Police Station Representative where she gained the vital experience of seeing a case from the beginning to the end. After qualifying, Annabelle is set to join Watson Woodhouse’s Private Prosecution department, which specialises in fraud cases such as banking, investment, romance, and cryptocurrency-related offences.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a trainee at Watson Woodhouse and Macks. I have gained invaluable skills which have moulded me into the lawyer I am today. I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by supportive and experienced colleagues who I have been able to turn to at each hurdle. I cannot thank Watson Woodhouse and Macks enough for all the endless opportunities my period of training has afforded me. I am very excited for the future!”
Matthew Taylor currently works within the Wills and Probate department, where he assists clients in drafting their Wills, and Lasting Powers of Attorney and also offers legal support to families when their relatives have sadly passed away. He joined Watson Woodhouse and Macks after graduating from Northumbria University with a Master’s Degree in Law with First Class Honours.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time training across Watson Woodhouse and Macks, it is a truly welcoming and talent-rich firm. A special thanks to all those who have imparted their wisdom to me and have helped shape my journey so far. I am incredibly excited to be qualifying as a solicitor and look forward to my career ahead. Although it is undoubtedly my achievement, I dedicate it to my family and my wife, without whom, none of this would have been possible.”
Paris Thompson is set to qualify in Macks’ Family department, where she assists clients with divorces, child arrangement orders and more. Paris joined Watson Woodhouse and Macks in 2022, after graduating from Northumbria University with a First-Class Master’s Degree in Law.
“Completing my training contract at Watson Woodhouse and Macks has provided me with invaluable experience and prepared me for my next step as a Solicitor. The departments I have worked in have shaped my career as I have learned from amazing Senior Solicitors who were always approachable and took their time to guide me in the right direction. I cannot wait to get started as a newly qualified Solicitor.”
Sarah Smith is currently working in the Family department at Watson Woodhouse where she represents clients in public law care proceedings, private law family matters and those who have been the victims of domestic violence. Sarah joined Watson Woodhouse and Macks after working at the Student Law Office at Teesside University where she assisted students in providing free legal advice on a wide range of issues family, housing, employment, and civil/small claims matters.
“During my time as a Trainee Solicitor at Watson Woodhouse and Macks, I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to be hands on and learn by doing, which has provided me with invaluable experience and confidence. I have been exposed to complex matters to allow me to expand my legal knowledge and I have felt supported, both professionally and personally throughout. I am very pleased to be remaining with Watson Woodhouse as a Solicitor and hope to do so for many years to come as I progress my career”.
Watson Woodhouse & Macks Celebrations
In honour of the remarkable achievement and continued hard work of Annabelle, Matthew, Paris, and Sarah, Watson Woodhouse and Macks hosted a memorable celebration at The Dovecot. The event was a testament to their outstanding commitment and their journey to becoming fully qualified solicitors.
Joe Watson, Talent Manager, commented:
“Annabelle, Matthew, Paris, and Sarah have all worked extremely hard in their respective journeys from trainees to qualified solicitors. We are delighted at Watson Woodhouse and Macks to support them through their training and through their careers within their chosen areas of expertise. We seek to support all of our colleagues in developing their careers and we are extremely proud that Annabelle, Matthew, Paris and Sarah all share in our companies’ values and will be able to provide the very best level of service to our clients.”
Trainee Applications
If you want to find out more about our training contracts for the September 2024 intake, click here.