International Women's Day 2023 at Thomas Flavell & Sons

We are an incredibly flexible and supportive employer providing a workplace where all Women can flourish and achieve their goals. Today, on International Women's Day, we recognise success stories from just a few of our determined women at the firm.

I joined Thomas Flavell & Sons as a paralegal in January 2020 and was initially based in the firms Leamington office. When I started my role with Thomas Flavell & Sons, I was in the process of completing the Legal Practice Course LLM at BPP University on a part time basis. I was working full time during the week and studying on a on Saturday. I was extremely fortunate that the firm supported me with my ongoing studies by providing additional time off for study leave and exam leave which was extremely helpful.

During my time working in the Property department, I attended team meetings that were held and was kept abreast of any changes in the area. The meetings were also invaluable as they ensured everyone in the department was able to raise any areas of concern or interest that they had come across which others could benefit the rest of the team.

I am now part way through my training to become a Solicitor and have commenced my second seat which is in the Private Client department in March 2022. My role is based in the Warwick office, although I have attended home visits with my supervising solicitor in Warwick, Leamington and Hinckley. I assist with the progression of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Probate matters as required.

I look forward to qualifying as a solicitor in April 2023.

Thomas Flavell & Sons will help support you with your career and assist you with progressing with them in the future.

I joined Thomas Flavell & Sons in 2014 as a Legal Secretary in the Conveyancing Department. In 2017, with help and a little encouragement from the firm, I gained a Diploma in Paralegal Practice with the National Association of Licensed Paralegals.

After I gained my diploma and became a Paralegal, I felt I wanted to progress further with my studies and started studying with CILEx Law School. Unfortunately, as a single parent with young children, I did struggle to work full time and sit exams. Thomas Flavell & Sons understood my situation and supported my decision to put my studies on hold.

I soon realised studying for exams isn’t for everyone, so instead I gained years of invaluable knowledge and experience in Conveyancing in the work place, working with many colleagues at different levels of their career who have encouraged me and helped me progress to become a fee earner with the firm.

I became a Fee Earner in January 2022, still working as part of a team and continuing with in house training.

I started at Thomas Flavell & Sons in 2014 as an assistant to one of the Directors, Jamie Connolly. When I was offered the role as assistant, I was also assured that the firm would progress me as much as possible, in terms of training/exams, and this was one of the reasons I accepted the position.

By October 2014, I had received the first of my CILEX Level 3 course material, which had been organised by the firm.

In July 2015 I moved to the new Leamington Spa Office to assist with setting up the office with Jamie Connolly, and I continued with my studies, with the support and guidance of Jamie and the other Directors.

After taking 8 exams and submitting 2 assignments, I achieved the CILEX Level 3 Diploma in Law and Practice in 2017 and became a Conveyancer at the Leamington Spa office. I started with a small case load and once my case load grew, I then had a secretary to assist me.

I have now been promoted to Conveyancing Manager and manage our team of conveyancers in Leamington Spa.

Thomas Flavell & Sons have been incredibly supportive, from allowing paid exam/study leave, through to supporting me and guiding me in my revision and training. Whilst I have progressed well in the 8 years I have been with Thomas Flavell & Sons, I do still wish to obtain further qualifications, and Thomas Flavell & Sons have confirmed that they will continue supporting my progression.

I joined Thomas Flavell and Sons in September 2017, as a paralegal.

In January 2019, I was delighted to be awarded a training contract to commence in April 2019. It was wonderful to feel like my hard work so far had been recognised and appreciated. Due to the fact I had 6 years’ experience in residential conveyancing, I was able to start an 18 month training contract with the firm. I was lucky enough to have the support of my helpful colleagues and sat three seats; Residential Property, Commercial Property and Family/Children.

In October 2020 I qualified as a solicitor and after 12 years of studying, gaining experience and raising a family, I was ecstatic to have finally achieved my dream. Since then, I have continued to work with the Head of Conveyancing as part of a team which I find very beneficial in terms of expanding my knowledge and experience.

My future goal is to always work hard and to always be open to learning new skills and gaining more experience.