A recently-qualified solicitor has landed a position in the Business Services Department of one of the North East’s leading law firms.
Gillian Barlow, who has been with the firm since October 2007 as a trainee solicitor, will be working alongside some of the region’s top employment and commercial property lawyers. She will be advising Crutes’ clients on various legal aspects including the recruitment, management and termination of employees including maternity, paternity and flexible working provisions, discrimination issues and unfair and constructive dismissal as well as a broad spectrum of property transactions – for private developers and private and public sector landlords.
Gillian joins the firm’s Business Services Department at an exciting time in its growth and development. On the back of its increasing profile Crutes has also attracted some key new people to the firm – in order to bolster its existing team, and to demonstrate how seriously it takes its future expansion plans. Crutes recognises that, as a professional service firm, people are its greatest asset. It places great emphasis on attracting quality staff, and partners, and retaining them.
David Gibson, Head of Employment said: “I am delighted to welcome Gillian into the team. Individuals of her ability are a welcome addition to the growing practice in this area.”
Gillian said: “Crutes is making significant strides in terms of expanding its business services offering to the SME market. Crutes are an ambitious firm and its that which helped me decide to apply for the position of Assistant Solicitor.
“Working for a law firm is challenging and at times demanding but its this side to the job which I enjoy best – the law is constantly changing which keeps motivation going.”
Paul Earnshaw, training partner at Crutes, said: “We are delighted to welcome a commercially-minded young lawyer like Gillian to our growing team.
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“Gillian joined the firm in October 2007 as a trainee qualifying in April 2009. Since she joined Gillian has gained the confidence to make decisions and advise clients in a constructive and commercial manner. We are proud of our trainees and invest significantly in the training process they go through. We do this because the time and money we invest in each trainee will undoubtedly bring returns to them and the firm in many years to come.”
