A warm welcome to the inaugural group of solicitor apprentices at Watson Ramsbottom, marking the launch of our first-ever apprenticeship scheme earlier this month.
Following the success of our Conveyancing Academy in previous years, we are delighted to welcome a new group of solicitor apprentices to Watson Ramsbottom this year. Joining us on their journey into the legal world are Zafeer Syed, Katherine Ashmore, Callum Bailey, Hannah Imms, Bradley Grimshaw, Nathan Ashworth and Ruby Cuthbert. Each of them brings their own unique skills and enthusiasm, and we are excited to see the contributions they will make as they begin building their careers with us.
Over the coming weeks, our apprentices will be completing their inductions and settling into their roles across our offices, getting to know their colleagues and gaining valuable insight into the day-to-day life of a busy law firm. Once they’ve found their feet, we’ll be catching up with them to share more about their experiences, aspirations, and the paths they are looking to take within the profession.
In the meantime, we’d like to give you a first look at the next generation of Watson Ramsbottom, who represent not only the future but also the continued strength of our commitment to developing talent and opportunity within our community, reinforcing the message that we’ve always #GotYourBack.
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Zafeer Syed
Solicitor Apprentice
Tell us about your education…
A-Levels in Accounting, Law and Business (2025)
What will your role here entail?
Assisting with legal research and preparation of documents for client cases and drafting contracts, agreements, and other legal documentation under supervision. Attending meetings with clients and providing initial advice on legal matters, working with solicitors on case management and attending court hearings. Supporting the preparation of legal reports, briefs, and statements while maintaining and organising case files, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality. Liaising with clients, courts, and other relevant individuals as needed, attending training sessions and workshops as part of the Degree Apprenticeship Programme.
Tell us a little bit about yourself…
Likes/Interests
- Pets (cats)
- Football
- Learning about new cultures/ languages
Callum Bailey
Solicitor Apprentice
Tell us a little about your education…
Before starting at Watson Ramsbottom, I studied criminology, psychology, and geography at Cardinal Newman College. Criminology gave me a great insight into the workings of the law and how this influences people’s day-to-day lives, and how the impact of individuals such as solicitors is vital to a community. Psychology taught me about the mind, how a person thinks, and how this may influence how they take in information, and how we can best support them with this. Finally, geography helped me to understand diverse cultures and communities both abroad and within the UK, allowing me to understand and respect their beliefs within my work.
What will your role here entail?
Within my new role, I have a duty to work with and assist clients through what may be an extremely stressful time in their lives, using expert legal advice to make processes run smoothly and professionally. During my apprenticeship, I have the duty to learn from other experienced professionals, applying their guidance to develop my legal skills, and contribute effectively to the team’s work
Tell us a little bit about yourself…
One of my main interests is sport. I have recently started playing golf with my dad. I may not be very good, but it’s a nice way to spend a weekend with my dad. I enjoy long walks in the Lake District, and hope to one day complete the UK 3 peaks challenge.
Bradley Grimshaw
Solicitor Apprentice
Tell us a little about your education/previous employment…
I attended Darwen Aldridge Community Academy where I completed my GCSE’s before moving to Cardinal Newman College where I studied Business, English Language & Law at A-Level. Over recent years, I have worked as a Sales Executive at Wilson & Co in Bolton, a team leader at San Marino restaurant & a waiter at Artisan Cafe & Wine Bar.
What will your role here entail?
I’ll be gaining hands-on experience across different areas of law while working alongside experienced solicitors. I’ll be involved in tasks such as legal research, drafting documents, supporting with client meetings, and attending court hearings. I’ll also be working towards my LLB (Hons) Legal Practice Solicitor Degree Apprenticeship through UCLan, developing key legal skills and knowledge throughout the programme. The role will give me a broad understanding of legal practice, with opportunities to contribute to case management, maintain accurate case files, and attend training sessions to support my development.
Tell us a little bit about yourself…
I love cars – this is my hobby. I have a keen interest in cars! I like football – not as much as I used to but I am a Man City fan, but do follow my local team Blackburn Rovers too.
I spend a lot of my time making memories with my partner Amelia. I love spending quality time with my friends. I LOVE food, and not to brag make an amazing steak – perhaps with my experience in restaurant I have picked up on a few tips and tricks. I love the world and try to visit countries when I have the money and time- I struggle to sit still and always want to be doing something – drives people crazy.
Nathan Ashworth
Solicitor Apprentice
Tell us a little about your education/previous employment…
I went to Clitheroe Grammar Sixth Form to study A- levels. Studying Business Economics and Physical Education. I also worked at Yu Copster Green as a bar back/bartender, making drinks and conversing with customers.
What will your role here entail?
To deal with clients and provide a warm, friendly and efficient service, all whilst studying a law degree.
Tell us a little bit about yourself…
I have 3 siblings, an older brother who is 26, a younger brother who is 11 and a younger sister who is 7. I regularly partake in activities such as playing football or going to the gym. Also, into watching all different types of sports.
Katherine Ashmore
Solicitor Apprentice
Tell us a little about your education/any previous employment…
Cardinal Newman College 2023-25, Longridge High School 2018-23, Haighton Manor – Waitress (part-time) 2024-25
What will your role here entail?
Assist with legal research and preparation of documents for client cases – Draft contracts, agreements, and other legal documentation under supervision – Attend meetings with clients and provide initial advice on legal matters – Work with solicitors on case management and attend for court hearings – Support the preparation of legal reports, briefs, and statements – Maintain and organise case files, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality – Liaise with clients, courts, and other relevant individuals as needed – Attend training sessions and workshops as part of the Degree Apprenticeship Programme.
Tell us a little bit about yourself…
In my spare time, I enjoy meeting up with my friends and going on dog walks, especially around the Lake District. I enjoy shopping, trying out new places to eat and days out with my family. I also have an interest in art, in particularly watercolours. I’ve recently started the gym and love to go running around my local area.
Hannah Imms
Solicitor Apprentice
Tell us a little about your education/previous employment…
Education- Attended Cardinal Newman College and studied three A-Levels alongside an Extended Project Qualification. My chosen subjects were Law, Business Studies and Combined English. I chose to focus my project on the legal system, more specifically, the issues that will likely arise and have a significant impact on the efficiency of the industry. Previous employment- Wickes Trade and DIY, and Clip ‘n Climb.
What will your role here entail?
I will develop my ability to research legal cases, draft documents, advise clients and attend court proceedings. Working alongside a team to build cases, liaise with clients and provide an excellent legal service will be my paramount aim.
Tell us a little bit about yourself…
I am currently training for an Olympic distance triathlon, following seeing my dad do a mix of Ironman 70.3’s and an Ironman over the recent years. I am enjoying swimming the most as this is the most unfamiliar to me. I have two dogs, named Douggie and Paddington. My family and I love to travel, and we spent a month on the West Coast of America during the summer of ’23, where we explored national parks. This summer I have been fortunate enough to spend time in Spain with friends, go to Luxembourg with my family, spend a few days in Paris with my boyfriend and bodyboard in the Atlantic Ocean on the West of France. Later this year, we are doing Via Ferrata in France, where we will spend a week climbing in the Alps. I like to do my nails, and I am very much looking forward to Christmas; it is my favourite time of year.
Ruby Cuthbert
Solicitor Apprentice
Tell us a little about your education/previous employment…
I previously worked at ASDA, where I worked as part of a team to provide a high standard of customer support, replenish and rotate stock on the shelves, preparing and packing orders, opening and closing duties & occasional cleaning duties.
What will your role here entail?
- Attend meetings and provide advice to clients in relation to legal matters.
- Organise files, prepare reports, ensuring confidentiality is upheld.
- Draft contracts, attend court hearings.
- Prepare documents for cases, supported by legal research.
- Liaise with solicitors, clients and the courts.
- Attend sessions at university weekly.
Tell us a little bit about yourself…
- I have a cockerspaniel called Holly
- I enjoy playing football, my usual position is left midfield, yet I don’t mind where I play, as long as its not in defence!
- I am a foodie, my favourite type of food definitely has to be Italian and I would definitely visit Italy just to try the cuisine!
- In my spare time I enjoy watching Netflix, anything really, yet I would say my go to light-hearted series would be ‘Superstore’.
- I currently live at home with my parents and younger sister.
