BRADFORD law firm Gordons has welcomed its next generation with the appointment of six new trainees and four apprentices.

Sukhbir Bhadal, Emily Egan, Chloe Smitheringale, Libby Watson and Ella Fitzpatrick have started training contracts and will undertake four six-month seats across various Gordons specialisms.

Eunice Ochieng has also joined the firm on secondment for six months from a client. The six new starters will benefit from the firm’s distinct approach to developing its trainee solicitors.

This sees as much emphasis placed on personal growth and development as there is on enhancing professional expertise.

Emma Davison, Sophie Wilton, Ethan Crowther and Hannah Lancaster have joined the Gordons Law Apprenticeship, the firm’s pioneering, multiple award-winning apprenticeship scheme.

As apprentices, all four will train to become qualified lawyers through a combination of hands-on experience and academic study. Gordons will pay their salary and course fees, meaning they will not accumulate any student debt.

Victoria Davey, Gordons partner, said: “We have a rigorous recruitment process for our trainees and apprentices which focuses not only on their academic ability but also their ability to build relationships and work in a team.

“As a firm, we set ourselves apart by the strength and depth of the relationships we build by being not just excellent lawyers but also people who clients like and trust. We are confident our new recruits have these skills.

“They each have the opportunity for bright futures at Gordons and all of us at the firm are looking forward to helping them grow and develop as people and professionals.”

Employing 170 people, Gordons has offices in Bradford and Leeds. The firm’s clients include retailers AO, B&M, Heron Foods, Iceland Foods, Morrisons, Ocado and Wren Kitchens as well as construction and high-performance materials manufacturer Saint Gobain and international brewers Molson Coors.