Appleby has welcomed Katie Entwisle and Ruby Agate to its legal trainee programme.

The scheme supports aspiring lawyers to qualify as Isle of Man advocates by providing a two-year placement at the firm in Athol Street, Douglas.

Faye Moffett, managing partner, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Katie and Ruby to Appleby. We have a talented team of lawyers here who will support and mentor them as they undertake their articles and exams over the next two years.’

The two women will spend time working with the firm’s corporate and dispute resolution practice groups.

Ms Entwisle obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) in linguistics with french at Newcastle University, graduating with first class honours.

After graduating, she moved back to the island and was employed on to a graduate scheme with a local financial consulting company.

In 2017, after a sabbatical travelling, she returned to work on various projects on the island whilst submitting applications in order to study to become an advocate.

She said: ‘I initially applied for a legal secretary role with the firm, however Appleby were extremely supportive and suggested that I apply for their bursary scheme.

‘In 2018, I was lucky enough to be selected for the bursary and began my studies at the University of Manchester, obtaining a graduate diploma in law and MSc in law, business and management.

‘Appleby have supported me so much in my legal career and development from the moment I expressed interest in becoming an advocate.

‘I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to apply the skills I have learnt over the last two years, and to learn even more whilst working in each department.’

Ms Agate obtained a Bachelor of Arts in history, graduating from Liverpool John Moores University in 2017 with first class honours.

She then went on to obtain a Master of Laws (LLM) in qualifying law, graduating in 2018 with distinction.

She worked at a law firm based in the UK, before completing the Legal Practice Course (LPC) with the University of Law in Manchester, graduating in 2020.

Ms Agate said: ‘The team at Appleby have been ever so welcoming and I have felt incredibly supported as a trainee.

‘Over the next two years, my aim is to broaden my knowledge and to gain experience in each seat by taking advantage of every opportunity that might come my

way.

‘Ultimately, I hope that this will allow an informed decision to be made as to the area(s) of law that I would like to practice.’