Stephensons Solicitors LLP has recruited nine new trainee solicitors following a rigorous three-stage assessment process to find the legal professions next generation of lawyers.

Rakhsana Noreen, Jessica Culshaw, Sophie De Arez Cintra, Geoff May, Tom Baker and Rachelle Nuttall will all begin their training contracts this September. Sophie Maloney, Natalie Parkinson and Andrew Whitehead will take up their positions in 2015.

The training contract will involve working in four departments across the firm for six months at a time, demanding a high level of commitment and adaptability. Following the training, they will qualify as a solicitor.

Rakhsana Noreen, from Oldham, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be offered a training contract at Stephensons. The strong supportive structure Stephensons has in place for training and development ensures the continuous growth of my personal and professional development assisting in the progression of my career as a solicitor.”

Jessica Culshaw, from Wigan, said: “I am thrilled to have been offered a training contract with Stephensons. Stephensons recognises the quality of its people by actively encouraging progression and development from within its own departments.”

Sophia De Arez Cintra, from Slough, said: “I am extremely excited to be starting my training contract. Becoming a solicitor is something I have wanted to do from an early age and I am really looking forward to taking this final step in achieving that, especially at Stephensons.”

Geoff May, from London, said: “From the moment I heard I was successful in obtaining a training contract, I was incredibly excited. I cannot wait to get started and continue my learning process.”

Tom Baker, from Leigh, said: “I am extremely excited to begin my training contract at Stephensons. It is nice to know that after years of hard work someone backs you to make the next step.”

Rachelle Nuttall, from Bromley Cross, said: “I am very excited to begin my training contract. After four years of working towards this level, I am ready to take the next steps in my career and prove my competence to the firm.”

Sophie Maloney, from Wigan, said: “I was delighted to be offered a training contract at Stephensons and can’t wait to start. As a local girl I want to continue to work and live in the North West, and Stephensons gives me the opportunity to progress my legal career at a highly reputable and expanding multi-service law firm.”

Natalie Parkinson, from Colne, Lancashire, said: “I feel very proud to have obtained a training contract, especially with Stephensons. It is a major achievement. After six years of studying and hard work I am excited by the next stage of my professional development, and ultimately becoming a qualified solicitor. I am particularly eager to face the challenges ahead and using my skill set to develop my career.”

Andrew Whitehead, from Westhoughton, said: “I am incredibly proud to have been rewarded with a training contact at Stephensons. I am looking forward to the challenges that I will face when changing seats and experiencing different work types.”

Neal Boland, senior partner at Stephensons, said: “At Stephensons we only accept applications from internal applicants because it is really important to us to know our potential trainees well.

“After an intense selection process, the people selected went through a gruelling group session and individual interviews. As a result, we have awarded training contracts to nine people.

“We would like to congratulate all the trainees on securing their training contracts.”