Philip continues tradition by joining his family law practice

Nov 7 2007 by Iain Laing, The Journal

THE Askews’ tradition of a career in law has extended further with the arrival at the firm’s Thornaby office of another member of the family.

Philip Askew is following in the family footsteps by entering the firm set up almost 75 years ago by his grandfather and great uncle.

He originally chose a career in marketing but, with 16 qualified lawyers in the family over the last three generations, the lure of the law proved irresistible and, after five years working in London, he enrolled at the College of Law in York. He now joins his father David, senior partner, and brother Simon, managing partner, at Askews.

“I chose a career in law in order to be able to work directly with clients, understand their legal requirements and gain their satisfaction by meeting those requirements,” said Philip.

“Askews is providing me with the training to do just that but, equally, it also means a great deal to me to join the firm established by my family and to work with both my father and my brother.”

The 29-year-old is one of three trainees to start their training contract with Askews this autumn. While he joined the conveyancing department, Philip Masters and Stephanie Sturgeon, both 23, have joined the litigation department.

Both completed their legal studies at the University of Northumbria after leaving Darlington’s Queen Elizabeth sixth form college.

In joining Askews, Philip Masters is fulfilling his dream to be a solicitor which he has since he did work experience in a practice, aged 15.

“I wanted to complete my training in my local area and Askews is an ideal size of firm in which to do it – large enough to get hands-on experience and good support, but not too big that you end up just doing photocopying,” he explained.

Stephanie wanted to return to the Tees Valley after graduating. She said: “I studied law at A-level and that sparked my interest.”

Askews has also added two experienced solicitors to its team through the appointment of associate solicitors Joanne Jackson, who has just successfully completed her training contract with Askews, and new arrival Tracy Stephenson.

Joanne specialises in wills and probates, while Tracy is a specialist in matrimonial and family law as well as being a qualified mediator.