We’re delighted to welcome our latest group of trainees and legal apprentices, who officially began their first seats with us on 1st September, marking the start of their legal careers at Napthens.
This year, three of our new trainees have progressed from legal assistant roles within the firm, a great example of the career pathways we’re proud to support. Alongside them, two new legal apprentices have also taken the next step on their structured development journey with us.
Meet Our New Starters
Our new colleagues are joining teams across our offices and practice areas:
- Nicola Bleasdale – Litigation, Liverpool
- Megan Whitelegge – Real Estate, Blackburn
- Laura Avevor – Real Estate, Preston
- Danielle Hartley – Wills, Trusts and Probate, Blackburn
- Joanna Tomlinson – Wills, Trusts and Probate, Lytham
- Sian Pratt – Corporate, Blackburn
- Freya Hardacre – Solicitor Apprentice
- Joseph Thorpe – Solicitor Apprentice
Our new starters join a strong cohort of 13 other trainees already continuing their journeys with us across second, third, and final seats in departments including Corporate, Litigation, Employment, Family, Rural, Residential, and Wills & Estate Planning.
Supporting Early-Career Development
All of our new trainees and apprentices will take part in Flourish, our 12-month transition programme designed to support their development in their first year. Running from September 2025 to June 2026, Flourish offers structured learning across financial foundations, digital skills, technical practice, and personal development, helping our people build confidence and thrive in their roles.
“We’re thrilled to welcome our new trainees and proud to see so many continuing their development with us. Our trainee programme is designed to give early-career professionals the depth and breadth of experience they need to thrive in the legal sector. It’s fantastic to see the energy and ambition they bring to our teams.”
— Nicola Mason, Head of People and Operations
“Supporting our trainees through each stage of their development is a key part of our commitment to learning and growth. We’re excited to see how they’ll apply their skills and curiosity across the business, and we’re here to help them build confidence and capability every step of the way.”
— Simon Price, Head of Learning and Development
Congratulations to all of our starters and we wish you the best of success with Napthens!
Click here for more information on our training contracts. Applications for our September 2027 intake will open in Spring 2026.
Nicola Mason | Head of People and Operations
Nicola Mason is head of people and operations within the people team, based in the firm's Preston office.
Sign up for legal insights
Stay up to date with the latest alerts, training and event invitations.
