11Altrincham-based litigation specialist, FS Legal, has become a member of the Government’s Northern Powerhouse Partnership Programme.
The law firm is one of a growing number of businesses from across the North that is part of the network. Through the scheme, partners work towards building a Northern Powerhouse in four main areas; connectivity and transport, skills, science and innovation, quality of life and culture, and devolution.
Julia Norris, Partner at FS Legal’s Manchester office, said: “We are committed to supporting the development and economic growth of the North and proud to announce our partnership with the Northern Powerhouse Programme.
“We will be championing the initiative throughout 2019 and are focused on forming meaningful collaborations and alliances with organisations and businesses across the region.
“A big priority for us is to grow by attracting and recruiting the best legal talent from across the UK to encourage the growing devolution to the region.”
The law firm recently launched the FS Legal Mentoring Scheme, which allows newly qualified lawyers to shadow senior members through case work and client relations. It is designed to support individual staff development and encourage career progression.
This year, the scheme will be launched to disadvantaged and minority school and college students across the North West, who might otherwise struggle to get a foothold in the legal profession. Students will be offered work placements at the firm and can access an ongoing mentor programme to enhance their professional development and future career prospects.
FS Legal is already flying the flag for the region, with Partner Kit Sorrell becoming the first and only lawyer in the North West to be inducted into the Legal 500 Hall of Fame for professional negligence work. He was also one of only seven lawyers in the North West awarded Hall of Fame status for commercial litigation at the end of 2018.
The awards are the Legal 500’s highest accolades and credited FS Legal as, “The only pure financial services litigation firm outside London.”
Minister for the Northern Powerhouse, Jake Berry, MP said: “I’m delighted to welcome FS Legal to the Northern Powerhouse Partners Programme. With their commitment to attracting young talent through their mentoring scheme, they’re well placed to develop the next generation of legal professionals across the Northern Powerhouse, and contribute to our shared ambition to boost jobs and economic growth across the North to rebalance the economy and build a Britain fit for the future.”
