Rhianna Greenley

I joined Nash & Co Solicitors in July 2017 as a legal assistant within the conveyancing department. I had just finished my three-year degree studying Law at the University of Plymouth and grabbed the opportunity to work at Nash, which I knew was a respected law firm in Plymouth.

Having lived in Plymouth all of my life, I knew I wanted to remain working there. I love being so close to the Barbican, the Royal William Yard, and the beautiful beaches in Cornwall. Plus, working for a firm that offers free parking is always a bonus!

I began my Legal Practice Course and master’s degree in Legal Practice in September 2017 through the University of Law in Exeter. Nash was really flexible in allowing me to work part-time to allow me to focus on my studies. I found that working alongside studying was really useful because I could relate to practical law a lot more compared to other students who might not have had exposure to a law firm. If I had questions about a particular topic, I always knew I could ask a solicitor in the office who specialised in that area (particularly when it came to studying for the exciting business tax exam!).

During my studies, Nash & Co Solicitorts offered me a training contract. It was particularly refreshing to know that my view on how I wished to qualify into law was considered by the Managing Partner – plus it made me work even harder to pass my legal practice course! I was able to have a conversation about which departments I wanted to train in because I knew that I wanted to be exposed to personal law, and this was agreed. It was a big positive for me that I (and all other staff) am able to have simple conversations with the Managing Partner about decisions regarding my training, rather than me having to complete lengthy (and sometimes irrelevant) formal applications. I began my training contract in September 2018 having received distinctions in my LPC and masters.

After training in the Wills & Probate team, Personal Injury team, and Family team, it was my time to decide which area I wanted to qualify into. This was a really serious decision because it would impact on my future legal career and who I would be as a lawyer. However, I was really grateful for the support received from senior lawyers who gave me advice and guidance. I decided to qualify into Family Law in September 2020 and have never looked back!

Nash has a great community spirit and the dedication that all of the staff (not just senior lawyers) put into my training was incredible. I do not believe I would have received better training at any other law firm because it felt to me that my training was important to the firm. I was given a lot of opportunities to grow within my training and I believe this has made me a well-rounded lawyer.

Now that I am a qualified family lawyer (now over 4 years pqe), no day is ever the same. From making emergency non-molestation applications to taking the time to consider financial disclosure, the day-to-day job gives me a lot of variety. I also have a fantastic team to support me and discuss ideas for cases, and it is invaluable to learn from other’s experiences.

Whilst training and now qualified, I have had the continued support of Nash & Co to engage in the wider community. This included allowing me to visit year 9 students to discuss my career and provide positive female mentors for those that might need some additional support.

I am currently the Co-Chair of Devon Yres (Young Resolution) which is aimed at like-minded family lawyers who want to achieve an amicable process for their clients. I have been a part of the Plymouth Junior Law Division Committee for 4 years to help shape the future legal professionals in Plymouth. I was also shortlisted for Junior Lawyer of the Year 2024. I am very privileged that Nash continues to support my wider activities, as I feel this continues to shape me as a lawyer.

I am really pleased to be a part of the Nash community and encourage anyone who is considering applying to the firm to do so!