Member Article

From national charity to legal training

An aspiring lawyer - who ran a national charity whilst completing her university studies - has been rewarded with a training contract with Samuel Phillips Law Firm.

Jennifer Atkinson, 24, from Durham, joined Samuel Phillips in September, and will complete a two year training contract which will see her gain experience in all the firm’s legal departments.

Since 2008, Jennifer has been involved with Trevor Sorbie’s national charity, My New Hair, which provides advice and support for people suffering from medical hair loss. Amongst its activities, the charity trains hairstylists to provide and style wigs for those who have lost their hair. Jennifer’s original involvement was as a volunteer, inspired by her mother who was a Macmillan Nurse. However, whilst completing her legal studies at Northumbria University, Jennifer began working for the charity, most recently as National Programme Manager.

Jennifer said: “My New Hair is a charity I am passionate about. It has been a labour of love. However, it’s also given me a range of skills which are valid in my legal career. I’ve been involved in fundraising and managing the charity’s resources, as well as lobbying the Department of Health. I’ve also learned to communicate with people who are facing issues which are upsetting or angering them, and as a solicitor communication will be vitally important.”

Jennifer also has a good understanding of the construction industry having completed her first degree in Architecture at Sheffield University, before converting to law with a Graduate Diploma in Law, followed by the Legal Practice Course at Northumbria University.

Jennifer Goldstein, partner with Samuel Phillips Law Firm, commented: “For someone fresh from their studies, Jennifer has genuine experience, and a proven grasp for business. It is rare to find someone leaving college who can demonstrate not only such experience but also real passion for her work, and compassion for those who she has been working for and with.

“Jennifer’s background is impressive. She has shown great commitment working and studying in recent years, and will no doubt develop into an excellent solicitor.”

Samuel Phillips offers a comprehensive range of legal services to business and private clients. For any further information, please see

www.samuelphillips.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Hignett, i2i Business Solutions .