The region’s largest law firm, Wilkin Chapman solicitors, is delighted to welcome Stacey Heeley to its successful Family Team in Grimsby.
For Stacey, from Cadney, near Brigg, the move is perfect as she furthers a career that has seen her rise from conveyancing clerk with no university degree, to a lawyer joining the busy Wilkin Chapman team. Her new role sees her working with Partner Mark Carlton, who heads up the team with almost three decades of experience and is amongst the most knowledgeable regional professionals in this area of law.
Leaving Brigg’s Sir John Nelthorpe School after her GCSEs, Stacey is a perfect example of how hard work and a desire to succeed can lead to the realisation of a career dream.
Always wanting to go into law, the mum-of-one did not pursue the usual University education, deciding instead to stay in North Lincolnshire and accept work as a conveyancing clerk at a local solicitors’ office.
She has never looked back and after encouragement she embarked upon four-years of study while working full time. Stacey successfully completed her CILEx training to become a lawyer (chartered legal executive) in 2015, specialising in Family, Wills & Probate and Property law and has since built up a portfolio of varied experience.
“It is something I have always wanted to do, and I hope my story can perhaps inspire others to see that they can achieve their aims. Yes, it has been hard work especially during the training period when I would go home after a full day at work, have dinner and then study again, but it has most certainly been worth it,” said Stacey.
During her career, she has developed a strong sense of pride in the work she does, in assisting and supporting families to find resolutions to a whole range of issues. Over the last decade or so, she has seen the demands of family law change significantly – led primarily by the cessation of Legal Aid for separating couples, the only exception being those with proof of domestic abuse.
Stacey is now looking forward to the new challenges that Wilkin Chapman will bring, with a reputation for successfully handling more varied and complex cases – working with a wide variety of clients.
“While the demands have changed significantly, what never changes are the relationships we must always build with our clients in order that we can do the very best for them in any situation,” added Stacey.
Welcoming Stacey to the firm, Mark Carlton said: “I am delighted that Stacey has joined us, bringing with her experience that will complement and support our Grimsby Family Team. Stacey is also representative of how a person with the drive and enthusiasm for law will succeed.”
