Law firm invests in the next generation of talent

West Midlands law firm FBC Manby Bowdler is investing in the next generation of legal talent, appointing three newly qualified solicitors and awarding a further five training and apprenticeship roles.

Lawyers Maddison Elwell, Victoria Farmer and Stewart Harris all qualified in September 2025.

Mia Jones joins as an apprentice solicitor in Litigation and Oliver Bennett an apprentice solicitor in the Family team; Raeesa Ahmed is now a trainee solicitor in the Wills, Probate & Lifetime Planning team and Lola Fittes and Shannon Richards join as CILEX legal executives in the Court of Protection and Residential Property teams respectively.

Claire Bentick, training partner at FBC Manby Bowdler said: “We remain committed to investing in our people and identifying and training the next generation of legal talent is key to that.

“Creating opportunities for young lawyers is vital if we are to achieve our ambitious growth plans across the West Midlands .

All eight will be based in the firm’s Wolverhampton office, part of a wider investment by FBC Manby Bowdler following a £30m private equity injection which has also seen it open a new office in the centre of Birmingham.

Andrew Wynne, Senior Partner in the commercial team, added: “Congratulations go to our three newly qualified solicitors for reaching their goal and our five colleagues starting out on their career journey. It’s an exciting time for them all.”

Maddison joined FBC Manby Bowdler in 2022 as a New Enquiry Handler and began her training contract in September 2023. She qualified within the Personal Injury Department as a member of the Medical Negligence Team. Maddison works on behalf of clients in claims arising from delays in diagnosis, surgical errors, orthopaedic injuries and brain and spinal injuries.

Victoria joined the firm as a Trainee Solicitor in 2023 and supports clients across all aspects of commercial property including commercial sales and purchases, refinancing property portfolios, commercial leases and landlord & tenant matters.

Prior to joining FBC Manby Bowdler as a trainee solicitor in 2023, Stewart worked in a hybrid legal assistant / paralegal for 4 years. He has qualified within the Private Client Department as a member of the Court of Protection & Deputyship Team.

FBC Manby Bowdler has bases across the West Midlands, Shropshire and Worcestershire and is one of the region’s most successful law firms, employing more than 200 people. Turnover topped £16 million in the last year and the firm has plans to double its size in the next 24 months.

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Editors notes

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is a 30-Partner award winning regional law firm focused on and committed to intelligently delivering stellar service to its customers.

The firm's approach is 'One Team' and is committed to delivering the greatest quality of service and advice possible. FBC Manby Bowdler's Client Charter explains the firm's promises to clients about the stellar service experience they can expect to receive.

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is recognised in the 2019 Legal 500 Directory as a top tier Firm for Agriculture & Estates, Contentious Trusts & Probate, Family, and Commercial Litigation.

For further information, please visit www.fbcmb.co.uk, or follow the firm on Twitter @FBCManbyBowdler.