The partners at Square One Law are delighted that their new trainee, Ricky Handa, was asked to be on a panel of former Legal Launch Pad (LLP) members speaking to new recruits at an event held at Barclays’ London offices in Canary Wharf.

Ricky Handa is a Northumbria University Law graduate who also gained a Distinction for his Master’s in Business with Legal Management. He attended Square One Law’s vacation placement last summer and was the successful candidate to be offered a paralegal position in September 2013. He has taken that opportunity to impress the partners and at Christmas was offered a training contract with the firm.

Whilst at Northumbria University, Ricky participated in the Legal Launch Pad programme (LLP) which is run by the Black Lawyers Directory (BLD) with the aim of advancing career opportunities in the legal industry for law students from ethnic minorities.

Ricky said: “I found the scheme really inspirational; it presented me with a range of opportunities, from mentoring to work experience that may not have been otherwise accessible. The scheme played a decisive factor in determining my career path into commercial law”

Since graduating Ricky has continued to support the programme as an LLP ambassador.

Ricky said: “I am extremely proud of my role as ambassador for the BLD and I am committed to further promoting equality and diversity within the legal sector. It was a pleasure to share my experiences with the latest group of LLP students at the London event.”

Simon Priestley, partner at Square One Law said, ”When recruiting trainees we look for more than good exam results and Ricky impressed us because he had the academic qualifications but also gets involved with so many other projects and the Legal Launch Pad was a very good example of this. He also understands the importance of networking and has great people skills.”

Speaking of his appointment, Ricky said: “I have always wanted to work for a commercial law firm with an entrepreneurial approach and I was delighted when Square One Law offered me a training contract.

“The firm’s rapid growth and continual ability to attract exceptional lawyers really impressed me and means I have the opportunity to work with very experienced partners and senior lawyers on a day to day basis.”