Retiring law firm founder passes the baton to future lawyer

Alex Withers has become the first student to receive the Michael Short Prize, launched this year by Short, Richardson & Forth LLP to commemorate the founding partner’s retirement from the firm.

The 20-year-old, originally from Redcar, achieved the highest mark in her employment law module on the LLB Hons Exempting programme. She was presented with a cheque for £500 following her completion of two weeks work experience at Short, Richardson & Forth LLP.

Alex, who is currently in her third year at Northumbria Law School, completed the two week placement at the Newcastle-based law firm during the summer holidays.

“I was delighted to be given the opportunity to tackle work at the level of a qualified solicitor during my placement, which provided me with relevant and valuable experience. I worked with partners on a daily basis, who gave me terrific support, which really boosted my confidence.”

The four year LLB Hons Exempting programme is provided by Northumbria Law School. It is both a qualifying law degree and satisfies the Law Society requirements for the professional training of solicitors, allowing students to proceed directly to a training contract on graduating from Northumbria.

Module leader Dr Eileen Fry said: “The placement at Short, Richardson & Forth LLP was an invaluable experience for Alex to put the theory of employment law into practice and to work with some leading experts in the employment field.”

The Michael Short Prize will become an annual award for second year Northumbria Law Students who attain the highest marks in Employment Law. This year’s cash award was presented to Alex by Max Winthrop, a partner and head of the employment law team at Short, Richardson & Forth LLP.

He said: “We were all extremely impressed with Alex – I had to keep reminding myself that she isn’t yet fully qualified as her abilities would be a credit to a 2-3 year qualified solicitor. She is clearly a credit to the way in which employment law is taught at Northumbria. As a firm known for having real expertise in employment law, we are proud to be associated with Alex and this award. ”

Michael Short, who retired earlier this year from the law firm he founded three decades ago, said: “I think the award is a wonderful idea. I started the law firm 30 years ago and retired this year, so I feel it is a very nice gesture and very significant for me that this annual award has been created in my name.”

Dean of the Law School Professor Philip Plowden said: “Employment Law is a difficult subject at the heart of law and Alex is to be congratulated for her high achievements in the subject area.”