Recognised by The Sunday Times as one of the best places to work in the UK for 2026, national law firm, Clarion, has continued its investment in the next generation of legal talent, with four trainees qualifying as solicitors and taking up permanent positions across the business.
The newly qualified team members are Ashleigh James, Mcauly Naylor, Niamh Darren and Jenna Metcalf, who will join Clarion’s Family, Sport and Employment teams respectively.
Having gained experience across divorce, children matters, and financial disputes, Ashleigh James will be taking up a position in the Family team. As a trainee at Clarion, Ashleigh has also contributed to a number of family law insights covering topics including cohabitation reform, family mediation, private children proceedings and arrangements following separation.
After completing a recent secondment at a sporting body, Mcauly Naylor will be taking up a role in Clarion’s Sport team, sitting within Commercial Dispute Resolution. Having gained experience both in private practice and in-house, dealing with a range of commercial contractual matters including broadcasting rights, sponsorship agreements, sports data and talent agreements, Mcauly brings an in-depth understanding of the needs of clients across the sector.
Niamh Darren will be taking up a position in the Employment team, advising businesses on a range of employment matters, including disciplinaries, grievances, performance management and employment contracts. With her practical and commercial approach, Niamh also supports on Employment Tribunal claims and the employment aspects of corporate transactions. Having gained experience in the Real Estate, Construction and Corporate teams during her training at Clarion, Niamh brings a broader commercial awareness to draw upon in her Employment role.
Jenna Metcalf will also be joining the Employment team, supporting on Employment Tribunal claims, business immigration, corporate transactions and employment documentation. Jenna also has experience drafting and reviewing employment documentation, including employment contracts, settlement agreements, employee handbooks and policies.
Clarion’s well-established trainee programme has a high level of retention and has been instrumental in helping many young talented individuals complete their training contracts and qualify. Trainees are encouraged to build their understanding of clients and their businesses, while gaining experience through business development and self-development opportunities alongside their day-to-day legal work.
Clarion continues to invest in developing talent at all levels of a legal career, offering apprenticeships, paralegal development opportunities and work experience, alongside a range of mentoring and coaching initiatives. Based in Leeds, Clarion is a single-site firm advising corporate and private clients across the UK and internationally. The firm has more than 300 employees and is recognised by The Lawyer and Legal 500, as well as holding national rankings in Chambers.
Helen Saunders, People Director, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Ashleigh, Mcauly, Niamh and Jenna into their newly qualified roles at Clarion.
“They have each built valuable experience during their training and developed a strong understanding of the sectors and clients they will now be supporting. It has been fantastic to see their confidence and capabilities grow throughout their time with the firm.
“We want our trainees to leave their training contracts with more than a legal qualification. Developing commercial awareness, building relationships and gaining a broad understanding of our clients are all important parts of preparing the next generation of lawyers for their careers.
“We’re proud to see four talented individuals progress into permanent roles this year and look forward to supporting them as they continue to develop and build their careers at Clarion.”
Image provided by Clarion Solicitors
