Current Trainees
Annabel Mayer
I joined Metcalfe Copeman and Pettefar solicitors in September 2009, having obtained a Law and Criminology degree at Cardiff University and gone on to complete my Legal Practice Course at College of Law, London Bloomsbury. I started work at Metcalfes as a paralegal within the Family Department of the Thetford Office.
Family Law has always been an area of particular interest for me and so this was a great opportunity to put my studies in action. I enjoyed the high level of client interaction and the challenge of dealing with emotionally charged situations on a regular basis.
My first seat as a trainee solicitor started in September 2010 in the Crime Department at the King’s Lynn Office. This has been an exciting and hands on seat, with large amounts of time spent assisting Counsel at Court hearings and visiting clients in prison or at the police station.
Searching for the right firm is an important decision for any law graduate looking to secure a training contract. At MCP, I have enjoyed being part of a team and not just anonymous member of a large organisation. As a trainee, I have received valued support from the partners and fee earners, who are always available when any advice or assistance is required.
The breadth of practice means that there are numerous opportunities for a graduate to develop into a well rounded solicitor within a supportive and friendly environment. I look forward to being part of MCP’s future successes
Clare Mizen
I joined MCP Solicitors as a Paralegal in August 2008 after completing my Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in York. I grew up in Peterborough and moved back to the city to work at the Firm’s Peterborough office in first the Wills and Probate Department and then the Criminal Law Department. In June 2010 I moved to the Firm’s Thetford office and gained experience of Commercial Law with the Firm’s Senior Partner Tim Stevenson.
I started my Training Contract in September 2010 in MCP’s Wisbech office working for Paul Garner in both contentious and non-contentious law on a wide variety of files including employment law, commercial and residential conveyances, commercial litigation, retail and licensing law.
I thoroughly enjoy the work I do for MCP Solicitors and appreciate the experience, client contact, responsibility and insight into the wide ranging areas of law it has given me. I have found my colleagues to be incredibly supportive and knowledgeable and I really admire the Firm’s focus on client care and approachability. I am looking forward to the further challenges and experience that will arise from my role in the MCP team.
Baljit Bem
In April 2008 I joined MCP Solicitors after completing my LLB at Keele University and my LPC at the University of West of England. I joined as a paralegal and undertook 18 months in the Thetford Family Department where I regularly attended Court to sit with Counsel and enjoyed hands on experience with clients.
I had not previously studied family law and was able to gain in depth knowledge in all matrimonial issues including Children Act applications and Injunction proceedings. I soon picked up legal procedures and gained practical experience in dealing with complex ancillary relief issues.
I started my training contract in September 2009 and have spent time in the Civil Litigation Department and Commercial Department. I have gained a broad spectrum of knowledge and enjoyed working alongside experienced partners and fee earners.
MCP Solicitors offers a variety of disciplines in a supportive and professional environment. The Firm actively encourages staff participation and MCP have recently celebrated it 225 anniversary with an office rounder’s competition.
I feel I have been able to develop my skills and knowledge within the Firm and I am pleased to be a member of the MCP team.
Claire Williamson
After obtaining my LLB at Keele University in 2006 and completing the LPC at The University of Bristol in 2007, I joined Metcalfe Copeman & Pettefar in March 2008 as a Paralegal in the Criminal Department.
I had limited knowledge and experience of Criminal law and the Criminal Justice System when I joined the firm, but during my two and a half years within the department I was able to gain an in depth knowledge in all criminal areas such as the offences themselves and the difference stages of process within the Magistrates and Crown Courts.
I enjoyed my role within the Department immensely. I initially started in a basic administrative role but was soon entrusted to assist Counsel at the Crown Court during trials. With the support and encouragement from Miss Muir, the Head of the Criminal Department, as well as Mr Taylor, Mr Spence and Miss Winchester I completed the Police Station Accreditation Scheme to become a Police Station Representative. With this new qualification I was in a position to be able to advise clients on a one-to-one basis in the Police Station and represent their interests during Police Interviews and make representations on their behalf to Police Officers, Custody Sergeants and Inspectors.
I started my training Contract in September 2010 in the Family Department. Despite only having been in this department for only a month I have been able to experience divorce applications, child contact issues, occupation orders and emergency non-molestation orders. I look forward to experiencing the other areas of law in due course and gaining further valuable knowledge and experiences as well as continuing with my role as a Police Station Representative.
I feel very privileged in today's market to be offered a training contract with such a prestigious firm and look forward to the possibility of a future career with them.
