Following an internal application process, Boys & Maughan has selected Orla Priston and Ihcene Khalfi for training contracts (now referred to by the SRA as Qualifying Work Experience or QWE) starting 1 September 2024.

Orla attained her first-class LLB at the University of Kent Law School in 2022. She joined Boys & Maughan on a summer placement in 2021 and initially worked with us for one day a week, combining work and study. Currently a paralegal in our Margate conveyancing team, Orla transitioned to full-time in 2022 and has been promoted four times over the past two years.

Orla is due to qualify in 2026 and is following the SQE (Single Qualifying Examination) approach to qualification.

Ihcene Khalfi is also pursuing qualification through the SQE and obtained her law degree from the University of Kent in July 2023. Ihcene expects to qualify in 2026.

Based at our Canterbury St George’s Place office, Ihcene has been steadily advancing, with the training contract role marking her third promotion in the last 12 months. Ihcene began her career with Boys & Maughan after attending our annual Kent Law School insight afternoon and applying for a summer internship.

Andrew Baker, Senior Partner at Boys & Maughan, congratulated Orla and Ihcene.

Andrew said: “Orla and Ihcene have demonstrated high levels of commitment, skills and client care. On behalf of our partners, I would like to congratulate them on their progression toward qualifying as solicitors and wish them well with the challenges ahead.”

Andrew added, “Investing in the lawyers of tomorrow and cultivating homegrown talent is crucial to ensuring that we have the best skillset across all our legal services.

“We have a strong cohort of local law graduates and many of them value the experience of working for a firm after completing their degree. It allows them to make informed decisions about their future paths and they don’t incur any more debt as they take the first steps in their legal careers.

“Some of our graduates are eager to quickly pursue becoming a solicitor and others choose alternative routes such as becoming a Chartered Legal Executive or Licensed Conveyancer. Our programme also supports those who wish to gradually obtain more experience or focus on work-life balance after years of study."

Our photo shows Orla, Andrew, and Ihcene from left to right outside our office in Castle Street, Canterbury.