recruitment

Just as a client reviews a practice, a potential applicant also needs to know how we really work. What better way to understand what it is like to work here than from one of our employees?

Careers at Winston Solicitors By Tom Hiskey Assistant Solicitor in the Private Client Department, age 26.

I joined Winston Solicitors in September 2008. A month previously I had been made redundant; a result of the economic downturn.  Luckily, my speculative application to Winston Solicitors caught the eye of the managing partner, Jonathan Winston, and here I am!

One of the things Jonathan noticed on my CV is my interest in websites. I am now doing a fair amount of website work, helping with existing sites and creating a new blog, Law Chat, at http://www.lawchat.co.uk. I'm also doing plenty of marketing, as well as “normal” legal work in my area (wills, trusts and probate).  It's all rather unusual for a young solicitor, and I'm delighted that I'm being put to good use! I wouldn't suggest for a moment that Jonathan only looks for people with website skills; it's just an example of the modern, vibrant ethos of the firm. 

This is an exciting place to work (and as a private client solicitor, that's not something I thought I'd be saying before I moved here!).  Jonathan takes a hands-on approach to management, encouraging ideas from all corners, and things seem to move at quite a pace.  “Dynamic” is a terrible cliche, but it seems to be true of this firm.

Winston Solicitors is expanding quickly. It started only six years ago when Jonathan set up the practice, working from home.  Now we have around thirty staff in a large office which has recently been extended (the builders are still making noise outside the window as I'm writing this).

We're lucky to be a high quality firm with a city centre ethos; the fact that we're in the suburbs gives us an edge. We have an excellent reputation in the local area, which is a nice place to be.  Roundhay Park is just down the road and Street Lane has plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants. The office itself has a large garden.

The people here are lovely. No egos, just a lot of friendly faces.  In my first few weeks I have been made to feel very welcome.  I'm very glad to have made the change; I'm enjoying the work and I feel like I'm part of something exciting!

It's a testament to the firm that despite the recession, we're still recruiting.  I understand at present Jonathan would like to hear from employment and commercial solicitors. 

Please send your CV to the Office Manager, Leonie Fingret: ldf@winstonsolicitors.co.uk

or post to Winston Solicitors LLP 112 Street Lane, Leeds LS8 2AL