Newly qualified solicitor boosts Muckle LLP’s growing construction team

Following an unconventional route in her journey to solicitor, Zi is celebrating her latest career milestone after qualifying into the construction team.

Before joining Muckle in November 2021, Zi studied bar at Northumbria University and later completed the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) course online via BARBRI. Zi is among just the second group of students to successfully pass the SQE exam.

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination course was introduced in Autumn 2021 and is a standardised examination which replaced the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) route to become a solicitor.

Having qualified last month, Zi will work closely with the firm’s partners to provide valuable support to clients in reviewing and creating construction-related documents. This includes tasks such as professional appointments, collateral warranties, construction reports and commercial contracts.

Zi also brings with her two years of experience as a paralegal at a legal service consultancy. During this time, she served a number of high-profile clients such as Yahoo, Nike and PayPal.

Since working at Muckle, Zi has continued to broaden her client base, working on a number of compelling clients such as McAleer & Rushe.

Working closely alongside Partner Adam Aston, Zi will have the chance to enhance her skills by actively engaging with interesting and intricate building contracts.

Zi said: “I’m extremely pleased to have achieved my solicitor qualification within a highly respected and welcoming firm. Each day, I have the opportunity to immerse myself in work I’m truly passionate about while being part of a company I admire.

“I’ve always been aware of Muckle’s commitment to the community and working here has given me the chance to volunteer for amazing charities like the Children’s Foundation. It’s these opportunities that truly sets Muckle apart from the rest.

“Now that I’m officially qualified, I’m looking forward to expanding my expertise in construction law while collaborating with my team.”

Adam Aston, Partner and Head of Construction & Engineering at Muckle, said: “I’m delighted to have Zi on board; her exceptional impact on the team is already evident. Zi has an impressive client portfolio that is poised for expansion as she becomes more immersed in her work.

“In the past year, our construction team has experienced remarkable growth of 44%, thanks to an expanding client base and the addition of talented individuals like Zi. I’m excited to see our team expand further as we go into the new year and hope to welcome more skilled professionals.”