Worksop woman achieves 13-year dream of qualifying as a solicitor

Emma Millington studied hard to reach a goal which she set herself as a schoolgirl on work experience with a local firm.

She said: “Rather than just giving me menial tasks, they gave me lots of experience and insight into the legal profession. The partner there really inspired me as he had so much passion for the law.”

Emma, 28, devoted time and money to her academic studies which have paid off with her qualifying as a solicitor this month.

Describing her achievement as ‘an amazing feeling’, Emma said: “You never really quite think you will make it, especially when you are working at the same time as studying.”

After completing her law degree in 2014, she took a year out to work at a bank and study part-time for her Legal Practice Course.

When she wasn’t at university, Emma was working at the bank. She worked her way up to team manager, producing documentation for private aircraft and yachts/boats.

Although the bank offered great career prospects, it couldn’t compete with Emma’s dream of becoming a solicitor.

The last leg of her journey was a two-year training contract that she secured with Atherton Godfrey LLP.

Diane Parker, partner and the firm’s training principal said: “Emma was a stand-out candidate. She impressed us with the focus, dedication, and commitment she had shown in gaining her qualifications. On top of that, she’s a very friendly, outgoing person; all the qualities we look for in our trainees.”

Emma said she was thrilled to be offered the opportunity. “I wanted to work at Atherton Godfrey because there is a real family feel to the firm.

“Throughout my training contract I have always felt supported. It’s a great place to work. You never feel just like a number and you are able to build good relations with colleagues.”

“It’s been quite difficult. There was a long time between me doing the degree and LPC and starting my training contract. Remembering everything I’d learned was a challenge, so I had to spend hours with my head in the text books again.”

Emma plans to continue to work in the firm’s conveyancing department.