Coodes lures back talent to bolster fast-growing commercial team

One of the region’s most promising young lawyers has returned to Coodes Solicitors to join the firm’s fast-growing commercial team. Over the last year, Coodes has increased its work with business clients by nearly 25 per cent.

Kirsty McAuley was attracted back to Coodes, where she trained and qualified, by the prospect of contributing to the commercial team’s rapid growth. Joining a team across Cornwall and Devon, Kirsty will work closely with Head of Company and Commercial Sonya Bassett, who joined Coodes in April 2014 and was recently made a Partner in recognition of her contribution to the firm.

While training with Coodes, Kirsty won the 2012 Junior Lawyer of the Year title in recognition of her work in supporting Cornish schools to convert to academy status. She also established a niche advising companies on establishing online terms and conditions, helping a number of tourism businesses that increasingly rely on website bookings. After qualifying with Coodes, Kirsty went on to work with South West law firm Stephens Scown for 12 months.

Kirsty, who grew up in St Austell and is a member of the River Fowey Gig Club, said: “Coodes was my family’s solicitors, so I have known and loved the firm all my life and it was natural that I would want to train there. The exciting opportunities presented by the recent growth of the commercial team means it is now the best place for me to further my career.

“I am proud to be joining a team that is highly professional while also being approachable and friendly. It is this mix that helps Coodes develop long-lasting relationships that ultimately helps businesses of all sizes to grow and develop. It is so rewarding to help people achieve their dreams and in the South West you can also see the positive impact a successful business has on the local community.”

Head of Company and Commercial Sonya Bassett said: “I am very excited to be helping to shape Coodes’ commercial team of the future. As well as continuing to grow our national client base, I think there is potential to develop our offer to local start-up businesses. The best part of working in Cornwall is watching fantastic ideas grow into amazing and successful companies and with our expertise we are very well placed to be part of that.”

Chairman of Coodes Peter Lamble said: “Kirsty is a very talented young solicitor, who manages to combine impressive legal ability with a friendly approach. In the early years of a career it is beneficial to gain a variety of experience, but we are delighted to welcome Kirsty back to Coodes.

“Up by nearly a quarter over the last year, our business-facing work is experiencing rapid growth, within the region as well as nationally and internationally. Kirsty’s appointment is the latest step in our ongoing effort to grow our commercial team by recruiting the brightest and best people to offer a high quality service to our business clients.”