Debenhams Ottaway celebrates three trainees qualifying to solicitors

Debenhams Ottaway is pleased to announce that three of our trainee solicitors have qualified this month, with all of them choosing to continue their career with us.  

We are proud to be an employer of choice, committed to nurturing and developing our people to achieve both personal and professional success throughout their journey with us. 44% of our partners started as trainees at the firm, which is something we are passionate to continue.  

Our three newly qualified solicitors, Nia, Jake and Brittaney, share their journey from trainee to newly qualified lawyer below.

Nia Miller-Jones has qualified into the family law and divorce team after joining our trainee programme in 2023.

“I am excited to be qualifying into the family law and divorce team at Debenhams Ottaway who are superb at what they do and always go the extra mile for their clients. I have thoroughly enjoyed my training contract and feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to gain experience in three fascinating legal areas: I could honestly see myself qualifying into all of them!

The firm’s values have always stood out to me, especially its commitment to the client experience and how over 50% of its senior leadership are female. I’ve learnt about the importance of how a lawyer’s approach and individual style can have so much of a bearing on the outcome for the client which is something I am passionate to continue through my work. I also can’t wait to use my very own SRA stamp for the first time!”

Jake Horsnell has qualified into the Wills, trusts and probate team. Originally joining the team as a legal assistant in 2021, he started his training contract with us in September 2023. 

“I feel very privileged to have trained at Debenhams Ottaway with the high standard of training which I feel allows you to ‘jump into the shoes of a solicitor’. One important point that I have learnt from the programme is to be yourself, every solicitor will have their own style and it is key to embrace this.

Experiencing different areas of law during my training at Debenhams Ottaway allowed me to meet colleagues that I had not previously worked with. Not only is this a great social achievement, it is also invaluable when it comes to working together with other teams to help our clients.

The nurturing culture stood out from the beginning of my time here. The partners are not only supportive, they really are invested in your progression as a legal professional.”

Brittaney Gleed has also qualified into the Wills, trusts and probate team after joining Debenhams Ottaway as a trainee in March 2023. 

“I have really enjoyed the variety of legal work and the opportunity to rotate through different legal areas, as this has allowed me to have a well-rounded training contact. The supportive environment and close collaboration with my supervisors and colleagues have been invaluable for my development and for future clients benefit.

I’m looking forward to applying my knowledge and skills to provide tailored advice to clients, eager to continue learning and growing in my new role so I can contribute to the firm’s success.”

Debenhams Ottaway is a great place to start your career in law whether that be directly through the trainee contract or one of our other roles, there is always opportunity for development and growth.  

On this recent success, managing partner Susan Glenholme, who started her career at Debenhams Ottaway as a paralegal, comments “Congratulations to our newly qualified solicitors! We are proud of the training programme that we offer at Debenhams Ottaway and are committed to developing the next generation of solicitors. We give our trainees the best start to their careers and offer ongoing support throughout their training contract and beyond. We are really pleased they have all chosen to continue their career with us and wish them all the very best for a long and happy career as a solicitor – well done all!” 

If you are interested in our trainee programme or current vacancies, please click here.