Steele Raymond Trainee Solicitor Receives Two Awards for Outstanding Academic Achievement

Megan, who began her training contract at Steele Raymond in September 2022, was not only the top overall performer on the LLM Legal Practice Course during 2021/2022 – an award given by Nottingham Law School – but also achieved the highest mark in the business assessment module, making her the 2022 recipient of the Geldards Prize for the Top Performing Student in Business Law and Practice.

Speaking on her news, Megan said:

“To be honest, I didn’t realise there were any awards available. Throughout my studies I have been solely focused on achieving my desired result and maintaining my average grade for each module.”

She continued:

“It has been lovely to celebrate with my family who very excitedly shared the news with me! However, aside from being really surprised, I do feel proud of the achievement -it really is the ‘cherry on top’ of the distinction I received for my Masters.”

Prior to her time at Nottingham Law School, Megan studied the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at Swansea University during which time she completed a placement year at Rolls Royce Motor Cars in Chichester. This time spent on the coast led to her successful application to Steele Raymond’s award-winning trainee programme.

Now, three months into her first seat, Megan commented on life as a trainee solicitor:

“I’ve learned a lot in the first three months – it has been incredibly busy, but I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Asked about her aspiration for after qualifications, Megan said:

“There isn’t really an area of law I am wanting to specialise in just yet. I am open minded and like the way that the training contract allows me to experience hands on work in disparate areas of law, which will help me decide for qualification. Throughout my studies I really enjoyed elements of commercial law, but this may change in practice – the theoretical side of law is so different from the practical.”

Asked about her colleagues’ reaction to the two awards, Megan said:

“My team were so excited and made sure to inform the entire firm. Everyone has been so nice; there is definitely a familial feeling within Steele Raymond.”

Lindsay Halliwell, Partner and Training Principal at Steele Raymond, hailed Megan’s achievements, saying:

“What Megan has achieved, whilst incredibly impressive, is by no means a surprise. Since her arrival at the firm, Megan has been incredible and proved her potential – she is a real asset. The way in which she has clearly applied herself to her academics will enable her to learn fast and grow as a trainee solicitor.”

Lindsay continued:

“For Steele Raymond to continue to attract lawyers of Megan’s quality and ability is testament to the efforts of everyone involved in our trainee programme.”

Megan will receive both awards at an upcoming leaving ceremony for students of the Legal Practice Course (LPC) at Nottingham Law School in the new year.

To find out more about our Trainee Programme, please contact Lindsay Halliwell at [email protected]. You can also follow Steele Raymond’s trainee solicitors on their dedicated Instagram page, which documents day-to-day life as a trainee!