| Leading East Midlands criminal defence firm Cartwright King has been awarded a Legal Services Commission (LSC) grant to support the training of a new legal aid solicitor. Over 250 applications are made for these grants nationally, and Cartwright King is just one of a handful of firms in Nottingham to have been successful.
The grants, which were launched in 2004, part fund trainee solicitors and their organisation for up to four years through the Legal Practice Course and the Training Contract. This is the fourth year that Cartwright King has been awarded the grant, a testament to their commitment to legal aid practice and to the training of their staff.
Michael Thurston, managing partner of Cartwright King said: “A number of firms have withdrawn from legal aid work but we have continued to focus on the needs of individuals. The LSC have again recognised our commitment by awarding us this grant to help fund the training of one of our legally qualified paralegals to enable them to become a legal aid solicitor. We are delighted that the LSC is continuing to invest in those trainees pursuing a career in this area.”
Andy Poole is currently undertaking his training contract at Cartwright King after receiving an LSC grant. “I have specialised in Criminal Law and Mental Health Law since my training contract began. Assisting those in society who are less-able and who have serious social/mental health problems has provided me with a great sense of achievement”, he said. “I have always wanted to work within the legal aid profession and the Training Contract Grant Scheme has provided me with opportunity to do so. I am very grateful to Cartwright King and the LSC for giving me this opportunity”
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