Tag Archives: FBC Manby Bowdler

Apprenticeships, Law, News

Case for law apprenticeships proven beyond doubt

A whole generation of apprentices is helping to “future-proof” business for one of the West Midlands’ leading law firms.

FBC Manby Bowdler, which has offices in Wolverhampton, Redditch and across Shropshire, has 10 apprentices learning on the job towards becoming solicitors or paralegals.

HR Director Sarah Bond-Williams said apprenticeships were a key part of the firm’s employment strategy. She said: “We are working hard to grow the company, and to do that we need a full complement of skilled and talented staff.

“The apprenticeship scheme allows us to “grow our own” which, given the skills shortage across all UK industries, is helping to future-proof our workforce.

“Along with trainee solicitorships and advancement programmes for legal executives, our investment in apprenticeships is really paying off – and our staff engagement scores are the highest they’ve ever been.

“The ability to learn while they earn also makes a career in the law more achievable for young people who might be daunted by the costs and practicalities of going to university. There is a whole pool of untapped talent out there, and apprenticeships help us to find and develop it.”

Applications are now open for FBC Manby Bowdler’s 2023 apprenticeship intake. The six-year programme, delivered and awarded by the BPP University Law School, will lead to a full LLB (Hons) degree in legal practice.

Apprentice solicitors work to the same standards as all other solicitors and achieve the same qualification. Twenty per cent of the apprentice’s time is spent in formal learning and the rest spent working within the firm.

FBC Manby Bowdler’s current apprentices are paralegal Ayman Idrees and solicitors Lillie Pritchard, Rowan Jones, Abigail Noakes, Chloe Turner, Emily Shenton, Hannah Barker, Lara Sidell, Maisie Addinell and Noah Lloyd.

Law, Midlands News, News

New faces strengthen the team at FBC Manby Bowdler

Fast-growing law firm FBC Manby Bowdler has appointed seven new legal experts in response to growing demand for its private client services.

Managing director Neil Lloyd is spearheading the investment in new talent and says the firm is seeing a sustained rise in enquiries in 2022 for estate planning, probate and Court of Protection work.

He said: “In 2022, we have been the top ranked law firm for our private client services in the areas  in which we operate and these quality appointments allow us to continue to deliver the stellar service and excellent legal advice we’re known for.”

The Wolverhampton office has welcomed two new solicitors to the ranks, Jessica Hubble and Chris Bate. Liverpool University graduate Jessica joins from a regional law firm and Associate Chris will take on a Court of Protection executive role.

FBC Manby Bowdler’s Shropshire private client team expands with the appointment of Associate Jonathan Edwards, specialising in estate administration, inheritance tax, wills, Lasting Power of Attorney, trusts and lifetime estate planning.

The Telford team also welcoming solicitor Adam Hawkes, who will be advising clients on all private client matters as well as specialising in contentious trusts and probate.

Three of the new faces – solicitors Victoria Upton, Nazia Riaz and Charlotte Todd – have joined the private client team in FBC Manby Bowdler’s Redditch office.

Neil added: “I look forward to all of them developing and progressing their careers in the law in the supportive environment that FBC Manby Bowdler offers to all employees.”

Appointments, Law, Midlands News, News

Homebuying experts join legal team

Two new legal specialists have strengthened the conveyancing team at a law firm in Wolverhampton.

Hayley Griffiths and Zainab Hafeez have joined the residential property team at FBC Manby Bowdler’s Wolverhampton office.

Senior associate Hayley, who is a member of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), is now heading up the department.

Hayley obtained her LLB (Hons) law degree at the University of Wolverhampton before completing the Legal Practice Course (LPC). Upon qualification in 2014, Hayley managed a residential team at a Staffordshire firm before moving to work in Wolverhampton for a Legal 500 firm.

Zainab has joined FBC Manby Bowdler as a conveyancing executive. She has worked in conveyancing for more than 10 years, dealing with residential sales, purchases and re-mortgage transactions, and has experience in conveyancing transactions linked with Islamic finance.

Neil Lloyd, managing director at FBC Manby Bowdler said: “It’s great to welcome Hayley and Zainab to the Wolverhampton team. They bring a lot of valuable experience to our residential property team, further enhancing the great service we offer to clients. I’m delighted to welcome them on board.

“Buying or selling a home can be extremely stressful. Our residential property team, led by Hayley, works tirelessly with all our clients to make the whole process as stress-free, simple and smooth as possible.”

FBC Manby Bowdler has specialists in all types of legal work and has offices in Wolverhampton, Telford, Shrewsbury, Redditch, Bridgnorth and Church Stretton.