A talented young solicitor here at Winn Solicitors has proved that determination pays off after completing her solicitor training despite coping with a double tragedy.

Holly Hughes, 25, impressed higher management so much that she rose from office junior to qualified solicitor in just three years.

After graduating with a law degree from Northumbria University, Holly was determined to get a job with a law firm, despite intense competition in the sector.

“I remember seeing an advert in July 2010 for an office junior and thinking I had to go for the job"

explained Holly,

"I’d heard about Winn Solicitors and knew they were a good company and one that was growing. So I went for the position determined to work my way up into becoming a qualified solicitor.”

Just two days after she began at Winn Solicitors her father suffered a massive stroke and, shortly after, her grandad passed away.

Holly, who now lives in Wallsend, was born in North Shields. She explained;

“It is quite a deprived area and I was the first of my family to go to university so they were all very proud of me. I’d decided to go into law as it is a good, respectable profession and when I got 100% in my law A-level it just all made sense.”

Holly was really put to test after she began work and her dad became ill;

“It was a terrible time but I was determined to go in and focus on my work and then look after my dad when I returned home.”

Impressed with Holly’s determination through a difficult time Dawn Winn, Director of the Group, gave her the opportunity to prove herself by training as a paralegal and in January 2012 Holly began her solicitor’s training contract here at Winn Solicitors.

“I’m proud of my own achievement especially considering at the moment it is so hard to become a qualified solicitor" explains Holly, "Dawn’s support has been invaluable. She really cares about her staff and nurtures their professional development - something that is really important.

“The work is hard but very rewarding, particularly when you settle your client’s claim. I’m looking forward to the future working with Winn in a really exciting time for the company and sector.”

Holly is one of five solicitors to have recently completed their training contacts with the company.

Dawn Winn, Director of Winn Solicitors, said;

“Holly came to us with a lot of determination to make it as a solicitor. We recognised the talent and commitment she has and supported her to develop that. Despite having to deal with a lot of personal issues Holly really impressed the team at Winn Solicitors with her dedication and hard work.

“Holly has a bright future ahead of her and we are sure she, and her colleagues, will be an invaluable asset to our team here at Winn Solicitors as we move into the future.”