Here at Hutchinson Thomas, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to encourage, promote, and train the next generation of legal professionals. Seeing the potential of eager and hardworking individuals, it is incredibly rewarding to be able to support them to achieve often long-held goals of working within the legal profession and becoming fully qualified in their chosen field.
Two of our most recently promoted staff are Emma Thomas, who is now a trainee legal executive, and Sylwia Zaczek, our latest trainee solicitor.
Emma Thomas – trainee legal executive
Sylwia Zaczek – trainee solicitor
Emma joined Hutchinson Thomas in February 2017. Prior to coming onboard with us, Emma worked as a legal technician within the Local Authority, before working as a paralegal specialising in family law for approximately 10 years at another Swansea law firm.
Emma currently works within our Child Care Department, dealing with cases both in public law and private law proceedings.
Emma Thomas, trainee legal executive, said:
“With each case being sensitive and complex in nature it requires considerable attention to detail. Working within the childcare department is a fast-paced environment and each day is different. I have had the opportunity of being involved in a number of serious and complex cases before the High Court.”
Already holding a law degree (LLB) at University of Glamorgan (2008), Emma was able to undertake the Graduate Fast Track Diploma as an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx). Emma has successfully passed the CILEx Client Care module and Family Practice module with merit and is currently midway through Conveyancing Practice and completing the required portfolio of competency. Emma says she looks forward to completing her training to become a CILEx Lawyer.
On the support she has received, Emma said:
“Hutchinson Thomas have been an immense support during my time so far – both academically and allowing me the opportunity of becoming a trainee. I could not have done this without the firm’s kindness and support. I hope that once I have successfully completed my training that I am able to continue to work within the Childcare Department at Hutchison Thomas, as they have an excellent reputation.”
Originally from Poland, our most recent trainee solicitor, Sylwia Zaczek, joined the Civil Litigation Department as a legal secretary in July 2017.
Sylwia obtained her LLB in Law in 2016 from Swansea University, and then went on to obtain a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, also at Swansea University. Sylwia completed her LPC on a part-time basis alongside working as a legal assistant for several local law firms.
Sylwia’s areas of practice include employment law and contentious trusts and probate; she is due to become fully qualified in December 2022.
As a member of our Contentious Probate Department, Sylwia deals with applications under the Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependents) Act 1975. The team represent clients who are considering challenging a Will and advise executors or beneficiaries who are seeking to defend a claim. Sylwia is also involved in acting for employers, representing and advising partnerships, as well as corporate and small businesses in a wide range of employment disputes. As well as representing employees across a range of issues, including disciplinary matters, grievances, unfair dismissal, redundancy, disability and race discrimination claims.
Sylwia Zaczek, trainee solicitor, said:
“I have very much enjoyed developing my skills at Hutchinson Thomas over the last three and a half years and feel extremely grateful to be starting my training contract at a firm as well regarded as Hutchinson Thomas.
“To have worked so hard since I started my Law Degree, it is a joy to believe that I am one step closer to becoming a Solicitor – fulfilling my dream since I was a little girl.
“Hutchinson Thomas have established themselves as an approachable but professional local firm, with a reputation for providing reliable and high-quality legal services. I feel privileged to have been given this opportunity, and I am looking forward to continuing my training and expanding my knowledge to become the best possible version of myself, whilst embodying the firm’s values. I am particularly excited about developing strong connections with local clients and assisting in the growth of Hutchinson Thomas’ presence in South Wales.”