Whilst it doesn’t seem like two minutes since we were writing the goodbye 2024 blog, here we are again!
As the year comes to a close, we’ve taken time to reflect on what has been a truly meaningful and rewarding year for our team.
This year brought several moments worth celebrating, and none more joyful than welcoming a new addition to our extended work family. We were delighted to celebrate the arrival of baby Pheobe, born to our family solicitor, Liz and Adam.We enjoyed a fantastic baby shower for Liz at the Waterside, Littleborough, which was a lovely opportunity for the team to come together.
We’re also incredibly proud of Sophie Holt, who successfully passed SQE1 this year. This is a significant achievement and a testament to Sophie’s dedication, resilience, and hard work. Passing SQE1 is no small feat, and we couldn’t be prouder if we tried. It was (and will be) worth all the late nights and weekends sacrificed revising.
Another exciting milestone was Ellie Hooson starting her training contract, due to qualify as a Solicitor in 2027. This marks the beginning of an important chapter in Ellie’s professional development, and we’re thrilled to see her take this next step with confidence and enthusiasm.
We’re also proud to highlight the continued development of Jamie, one of our paralegals, who has taken on increasing levels of responsibility throughout the year. It has been wonderful to see her confidence blossom, and she has helped take our conveyancing department from strength to strength.
We were also pleased to welcome Lauren Anderson to the team this year as our new Legal Administrator. Lauren has already made a positive impact, supporting the smooth running of the firm and quickly becoming a valued member of the team.
Our secretary, Sally also welcomed a new feline addition to her family — Bertie. There’s nothing that brightens our day more than hearing about the mischief he’s been getting up to, and he has quickly become an honorary (and much talked-about) member of the team.
We can’t wait for what lies ahead in 2026, notably for our paralegal, Hollie Hunter and our apprentice solicitor, Ellyn Mills, to progress through their qualifications and be a step closer to becoming qualified solicitors.
Hopefully another year of lovely treats, from flowers, chocolates, bottles of wine – we are truly spoilt by our lovely clients. I think it’s fair to say our legal secretary, Kelly, wins the prize for being the recipient of the most thank you gifts this year. A true testament to her kind, approachable and empathetic nature.
Overall, each and every member of our team has continued to grow the firm and take it from strength to strength. Whether in reception, administration, paralegal roles, solicitors, accounts, or behind the scenes, everyone plays a vital part. I feel as though I say this every year, but it really is true, we simply could not do it without them.
Alongside our internal milestones, giving back has remained a core focus for us this year.
Through our Free Will Month charity initiative, we were proud to raise thousands of pounds for charity. The generosity shown by clients and the commitment of our team made this a hugely successful campaign, and we’re grateful to everyone who supported it. We look forward to participating once again in 2026, along with supporting Overgate Hospice with their Make a Will month.
We also continued our support for Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, making donations to help care for and protect animals in need. Supporting causes that make a real difference locally is something we value deeply, and we’re pleased to play a small part in the incredible work Bleakholt does.
As we move into the new year, we do so with gratitude for what we’ve achieved and excitement for what’s to come.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey this year. We look forward to welcoming the opportunities, challenges, and milestones the new year will bring.
Now for a mince pie and a mulled wine. Ellie and Belinda. X
