Supportive Management Team, lots of opportunities to learn & progress
Pros
I joined NLS in it's infancy during March 2018, I assisted in growing the Birmingham branch from me alone to over 20 people including paralegals, trainees, solicitors and supervisors. I left for other opportunities in mid-2022 but returned May 2024 as I felt at home here, supported with my team, I like working with NCDV and the diverse type of work I am able to undertake within Family Law. The current CEO is very hands on, ensuring he is visible & accessible to the team. Given the pace of some of the work we do I can train my colleagues in the law & advocacy quickly. IT is fantastic in terms of the case management system which is one of the reasons I returned. For the motivated, dedicated employees the path from admin work to supervising a team as a qualified solicitor can be as little as 3-4 years.
Cons
As the firm was much larger when I returned there was unexpected bureaucracy to navigate to get certain tasks done however, this has been shaken up and lots of previous barriers removed. Clear London-Outsiders divide for a long time but this is being eroded to give us non-Londoners the same opportunities & attention.