Blackstone Solicitors continues to nurture young talent

Set up in 2010 by Emma Nawaz, Blackstone Solicitors, Hale have always nurtured young talent.  Achieving Excellent in Investors in People in 2015. The team has grown from Emma and her secretary to a team of 25 which includes 17   women.  The most recent success story to come out of the firm is Gemma McDonald.  Gemma is just 21 years old and went to school locally, attending Newall Green High School (Wythenshawe), Xaverian College (Manchester) and then went on to Manchester Metropolitan University.

A local girl, Gemma achieved a First Class LLB Honours (Bachelor of Law Degree) and was the first in her family to attend a University.   Gemma joined Blackstone Solicitors as a temporary Marketing & Legal Secretary providing maternity cover and nine months later Blackstone have offered Gemma a full time role as a paralegal and also agreed to fund her Legal Practice Course (LPC) which is a prerequisite of becoming a solicitor.

Gemma explains just what this involves and what it means to her, “Thanks to Blackstone I can begin the Legal Practice Course in September at the University of Law, Manchester, I am thrilled to have such an opportunity to study and to train as a litigation paralegal.   Undoubtedly the mentoring from Emma Nawaz and her team has made this possible.   I appreciate the time that Emma has given me and have always been impressed by her ability to juggle her work life balance.  I love the tenacious approach of the firm and also the social events that I get to attend, such as award evenings.”

Emma Nawaz added, “We are delighted to be continuing to support Gemma as she trains for her LPC. Gemma has shown real commitment and has natural ability.  I am a great believer – that you never stop learning.  I recently attended the Goldman Sachs 10,000 small business programme.  A 4-month programme aimed at equipping business leaders with the skills and tools needed to turn potential growth into real success.  This included some invaluable tips on how to encourage and nurture young talent.  My congratulations to Gemma.”