Amy Campbell
Educational background: LLB Law with French Law at the University of Birmingham, and the LPC at BPP University Law School in Leeds.
Current seat: Commercial Services Team and Employment Team (dual seat).
What made you choose Mincoffs? After undertaking a placement at a commercial law firm during university, I sought a career working with high profile business clients. As one of the leading technology and media law firms within the North East, and named twice in the shortlist for the Legal 500 UK Awards, Mincoffs fulfils this ambition.
I also joined Mincoffs because of its positive workplace culture. In July 2022, I was invited to complete a week-long placement at the firm, where I undertook a series of tasks and acquired first-hand experience of what working at Mincoffs entailed. During the week, I was warmly welcomed by every single person I met and immediately felt part of the firm – a feeling that has only increased since starting as a new Trainee.
Advice to future trainees: You get out of your training contract what you put into it. Ask questions, get involved, and don’t forget to be yourself!
Joshua Carr
Educational background: BSc in Psychology at Northumbria University, Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course at Northumbria University.
Current seat: Real Estate (Commercial Property)
What made you choose Mincoffs? After gaining invaluable experience in the legal sector prior to joining Mincoffs, I appreciated the importance of starting off on the right foot at the right place. I wanted to be part of a firm that invests in their people, rather than treating them as another number.
I soon realised that I was at the right place after joining Mincoffs Solicitors as a corporate paralegal and my experience so far as a trainee solicitor continues to confirm that. With their long-standing reputation, expertise and investment in their people, Mincoffs Solicitors has the perfect balance of having a wide reach whilst maintaining a personal approach. Being part of a firm that recognises the individual but is also large enough to encourage, and has the capacity for, professional growth is a rarity; as a trainee, this is vital.
Advice to future trainees: If you’re lucky enough to be offered a place here as a trainee, don’t forget: it’s because Mincoffs wants you here! There is a lot to learn but each department is very supportive and determined for you to succeed. Be willing to put yourself forward and get involved as much as you can – the opportunities are there for you to fulfil your potential.
Alex Fitton
Educational background: BSc Environmental Geography at the University of York, Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course at Northumbria University.
Current Seat: Dispute Resolution Team
What made you choose Mincoffs? I was looking for a commercial law firm that had a broad range of clients and seats that would provide me the widest breadth of experience while at the same time ensuring that I had direct client contact and great supervision from day one, Mincoffs therefore fit the bill perfectly.
After completing the assessment week I found everybody in the firm to be very open and friendly. I remember fondly the time that the Partners took to assist me with any tasks I was assigned and the time they provided to go through their individual feedback. This level of training and supervision transferred over into my role as a paralegal in the firm where Stewart Irvine (Head of Dispute Resolution) has been a brilliant mentor. It was therefore a “no brainer” to accept the Training Contract with the firm.
Advice to future trainees: I would simply suggest be yourself, if you have a genuine interest in the work and show you want to learn you will find that everybody in the firm is more than willing to help you succeed. I would also suggest don’t be set on the Practice area you want to qualify into, keep yourself open to every seat as you never know which one may surprise you and change your plans!