Rachel Allen was working as a legal secretary when she started looking for ways to progress her career. Following vital help and support from Winn Solicitors she is now looking to the future with renewed excitement after qualifying as a costs lawyer.

New mum of one Rachel, 28, completed the 3-year Association of Costs Lawyers (ACL) course via distance learning earlier this month.

Rachel joined Winn Solicitors 7 years ago as a legal secretary, working her way in to the costs department and starting the ACL course to progress her career, having impressed us with her hard work and commitment to the firm.

Rachel completed A-levels at school before leaving to work in the travel industry and joined Winns for a career change, but never dreamed of qualifying as a lawyer.

She has already demonstrated her legal prowess, having achieved success in recent test litigation with Director Ghazala Bashey.

Ghazala Bashey, Director and Head of Litigation, said: “Rachel has demonstrated amazing commitment, working very hard to complete her qualifications whilst facing a very challenging work schedule and caring for a young child.

“Rachel has a bright future ahead of her and has become an invaluable asset to our team here at Winn Solicitors as we move into the future.”

Rachel said: “The company has been great and really supportive. They don’t have to fund courses like this, but if you work hard that effort is rewarded. It’s been difficult, juggling work and home commitments with the course (I had a baby in February, and had an important test case in October while revising for exams), but the support was there, and it has all been worth it. I am absolutely over the moon to have achieved this, I couldn’t be happier”.

Michael Warmington, Office Manager, said: “Rachel has achieved a huge amount in the 7 years that she has been with us. She has been committed and determined from the start, coming through the course to land her dream job.

“She’s a great example of how employees can get the support they need to develop personally and professionally within the company.”

“We are immensely proud of her achievement and it’s great to be able to support success like this”.

Winn Solicitors is currently supporting an additional four employees studying on the ACL course.

For more information on training and development at Winns, please click here.