Leading Thames Valley law firm announces four newqualifiers  

The newly qualified solicitors include, Saif Khan, who works in Gardner Leader’s Employment teamand Alex Poole in the Inheritance Protection team, both based in Newbury and Thatcham. Lauren Gale and Kerrie Duffy both work in the firm’s Dispute Resolution team and are based in Newbury. 

The foursome join an expanding, highly experienced team of legal professionals. The firm employs over 180 staff, working across 12 specialist teams, providing services to businesses and services to individuals, with offices based throughout the South-East, South-West and London.  

Saif Khan, Employment Solicitor, said: “Like Alex, Lauren and Kerrie, I feel a huge sense of pride in passing the SRA certification. It’s been quite a journey to get to this point, for all of us. I first graduated from City, University of London, with a Bachelor of Laws in 2017, and followed this with a Master of Laws. I took up my first role in practice straight after and then joined Gardner Leader in 2020. The four of us are now looking forward to getting involved in critical work, helping to deliver our clients’ peace of mind and the best legal advice and support.” 

Kerrie Duffy added: “The training programme to qualify as a solicitor is very intense and rightly so. It takes a huge amount of hard work, commitment and more than a few late nights studying to get to this point in our careers. The four of us couldn’t be prouder of one another and the praise from the rest of the Gardner Leader team has really added to the sense of achievement.” 

Gardner Leader has been at the heart of the Thames Valley community for over 120 years, with offices in Newbury, Thatcham and Maidenhead. The firm has tripled in size over the last 10 years, expanding across the South of England, with offices in London, Windsor and, more recently, Swindon, following its merger with standout commercial, corporate and real estate solicitors, Clark Holt. The merger in 2021 helped Gardner Leader to reinforce its services to businesses, and to compete against regional and city law firms. 

Derek Rodgers, Managing Partner at Gardner Leader, said: “As a firm we are committed to investing in the best legal talent in the region. As we grow and continue to become busier, building a team of talented legal professionals is integral to our ability to deliver on our promise and commitment to offering our clients the best advice and sound legal support. 

“Congratulations must go to all four of them. We’re delighted to have them as Gardner Leader’s newest qualified solicitors.”