We’re rounding up another year here at Farleys. 2024 has been another busy one with lots going on across the firm. If you’ve missed some of our exciting news this year, here’s a roundup of the highlights…
January
We kickstarted the year by opening the application window for our training programme for training contracts commencing in September 2025. We received hundreds of applications which were narrowed down for interviews and we’re looking forward to welcoming the successful candidates in September. Our next application window will open on the 1st of January for training contracts commencing in September 2026 so if you’re looking for a future trainee solicitor position, keep an eye on our website.
February
In February, two of our Partners received recognition from the Legal 500 by being shortlisted for their Northern Powerhouse Awards. The ceremony was held in Leeds this year so our two nominees Paul Schofield, head of our Preston crime team, and Kelly Darlington, head of inquests, donned their black tie attire and enjoyed an evening amongst the region’s most highly regarded lawyers. Sadly they weren’t winners on the night but it was certainly a privilege the be recognised in such high calibre categories.
March
March saw the return of our annual St Patrick’s Day celebration and fundraiser in aid of Cash for Kids Lancashire. Our St Patrick’s Day event has become a staple in the calendars of our friends who enjoy an afternoon of food, drinks and entertainment alongside a charity raffle and auction. This year we raised a record-breaking £8,700 thanks to the generosity of our guests. These funds will go a long way to supporting the fantastic work done by Cash for Kids to help vulnerable and disadvantaged children in our communities.
In March, we also attended the Red Rose Awards as sponsors of the Family Business Award. The awards ceremony, held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, was a fantastic celebration of Lancashire businesses and we were proud to present the Family Business Award to Seaways Services.
April
Residential conveyancing specialist Sophie Thomson joined the firm in April expanding our offering from our Rawtenstall office, formally Mulderrigs, to include all residential property services for clients across Rossendale.
May
In May, a team of 15 laced up their running shoes to take part in the Manchester 10k and the Manchester Half Marathon. As well as the chance to partake in a healthy past time and get themselves a participation medal, the team used the event to fundraise for a cause close to their heart; The Christie, Manchester. In total, they raised over £2,400 which was match-funded by the Farleys Foundation.
June
June saw our colleagues come together for the annual summer conference and BBQ. This year it was held at Mytton Fold with over 100 people in attendance. The conference was a great chance to update everyone on news from around the firm and to recognise some colleagues for their achievements over the last 12 months.
We also joined some local firms in a rounders tournament on one evening in June at Witton Park in Blackburn to enjoy a bit of friendly rivalry and some exercise.
July
Insolvency and commercial litigation partner Jane Haymes joined the firm in July, adding to the expertise in the team, which had just expanded with the appointment of Olivia Cooper after the successful completion of her training contract with Farleys.
August
In August, a new Head of Digital Marketing joined Lawfront. Ajay Solanki’s appointment will assist with the firm’s growth plans and that of the overall group.
September
September was an extremely busy month. We started the month by sponsoring the Shelter Colour Run where we ran a colour station (purple of course!) to coat runners in powder as they ran around the course. The event raised lots of vital funds for Shelter Lancashire.
Three new trainees took up their training contracts in September; Eve Abdel-Moneim, Armin Pishro, and Lauren Lowens. At the same time, our 3 remaining second year trainee solicitors, Amy Jones, Anna Billingsley, and Joseph Bridge completed their training contracts and took up permanent positions at the firm. This marked a 100% retention rate for our training programme this year, something we’re extremely proud of.
Finally in September, we were shortlisted for the Insider Lancashire Property Awards, a recognition of the excellent work undertaken by the commercial property team.
October
In October, the rankings for two prestigious legal directories, the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, were announced. In the Chambers and Partners Guide, five departments at Farleys along with five leaders of those teams were ranked, while 22 individuals and 8 departments were recognised in the Legal 500.
October also saw the announcement of several promotions including 3 new Partners and 2 new Associate Partners.
The good news didn’t stop there as Kelly Darlington received another awards shortlisting at the Greater Manchester Pro Bono Awards which saw her recognised as Highly Commended for her work with families at inquests.
November
November saw further growth with the appointment of Stephen Bolton as our Head of Business Development. Not long after that we signed the paperwork on a brand new office space on Shuttleworth Mead Business Park. This is definitely news to watch for 2025 as we expect to move in in the Spring.
Private client specialist Katy Shakeshaft joined our Preston office, offering expertise in wills, probate, and estate planning.
Finally, we began the festive period with the return of our Christmas shopping event in aid of CancerHelp Preston. Expanding to a brand new venue at St Pius X School in Preston, the event raised £2,250 which was match-funded by the Farleys Foundation.
December
Closing off the year, we ran collections of Christmas gifts and toys for Wood Street Mission (Manchester) and Cash for Kids (Lancashire), and sent a team of volunteers to Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas HQ to help sort through the donations. Our colleagues are passionate about giving back to the community and supporting local causes wherever we can.
Best wishes from Farleys Solicitors
The above is just a snippet of what’s been going on at Farleys in 2024 and we’ve got lots of exciting things planned for 2025 already so watch this space.
We’d like to offer our heartfelt thank you to our clients, contacts, friends and colleagues for your support this year and wish you all the best for 2025.
If you require legal advice and support going forward, we’ll be here to help. Simply call 0845 287 0939, get in touch by email, or use the online chat below.
If you’re interested in becoming part of the Farleys team as we continue to grow, you can find out more about the opportunities we have available through our careers page.
