Stephen Rimmer Celebrates as Two In-House Trainees Achieve Solicitor Status

Stephen Rimmer LLP is delighted to announce that two of its trainees, Lucy Vickers and Daisy Dyer, officially qualified as solicitors on 2 March, having completed their training contracts entirely at the firm.

Lucy qualifies into the Family Law department, while Daisy joins the Residential Conveyancing team, with both continuing their careers at Stephen Rimmer’s Eastbourne office. Their progression from trainee to qualified Associate Solicitor marks a significant personal achievement for both Lucy and Daisy, while also reflecting Stephen Rimmer’s long-standing commitment to developing and retaining talent from within.

Through their two-year training contracts, Daisy and Lucy have become firmly ingrained in Stephen Rimmer’s culture, demonstrating the care and dedication representative of the firm as a whole.

Over the course of their training, they gained hands-on experience across their departments while balancing full-time work with preparation for the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination). After countless early mornings and late nights spent together revising for their SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination), Stephen Rimmer is proud to welcome the pair on board and looks forward to many more years of continued professional contribution.

Meet our newly qualified solicitors

A career as a solicitor has been Lucy’s ambition since her school days, so qualifying marks the realisation of a long-held ambition. After studying Law at the University of Sussex, where she balanced her degree with part-time work, she joined Stephen Rimmer’s Family Department as a paralegal. From there, she worked her way through a training contract, preparing for and sitting the SQE while working full-time.

“The SQE was definitely the biggest challenge,” Lucy said. “It required a huge amount of self-discipline for over a year, and there were moments where it certainly felt overwhelming.

“What made a real difference was the support I had at Stephen Rimmer. I was involved in client meetings, court hearings and case discussions from early on, and that practical experience really helped me grow in confidence.”

Daisy’s path to qualification was equally strenuous. Like Lucy, she completed the SQE while working full-time; something she describes as the most difficult part of becoming a solicitor.

“There were definitely moments of doubt while studying,” Daisy said. “The exams are challenging, and balancing that with work takes resilience. The firm supported me throughout my SQE studies, and I always felt encouraged both academically and professionally. That made a huge difference and really helped to motivate me.”

Supporting the journey to qualification

At Stephen Rimmer, qualification is the result of structured development, mentorship, and meaningful responsibility from day one. From the outset, trainees are trusted with real client work and supported by experienced supervisors who are invested in their progress.

Lucy is particularly grateful for the support and guidance of Ben Bradshaw, Partner in the Family Law Department, and Nicole Lawton, Consultant Solicitor, whose practical advice and consistent feedback gave her the confidence to take on responsibility and continue developing throughout her training.

Daisy spoke warmly about the guidance she received from Grant Sanders, Partner and Practice Manager, and Roy Bridge, Partner in the Residential Conveyancing Department. Their willingness to share their experience, answer questions and offer practical advice helped her build both her technical knowledge and her confidence in conveyancing as she progressed through her training.

Supporting clients through life’s important moments

Now qualified, Daisy and Lucy are focused on delivering clear, proactive and client-centred advice.

Daisy specialises in Residential Conveyancing, and has worked through a variety of seats when building her confidence and technical ability.

“I thrive in busy, fast-paced environments,” she said. “I really enjoy guiding clients through important milestones, and I hope to make each transaction run as smoothly and transparently as possible.”

Lucy, working in the Family Department, is particularly interested in children matters, injunctions and divorce and financial cases.

“As a qualified solicitor, I want to provide not just clear legal advice, but stability and support during clients’ most important moments.”

Nicole Lawton commented, "We are immensely proud of all of Lucy’s hard work and dedication during her training contract. Lucy has shown great insight into the difficult balance (between legal and compassion) that needs to be struck for clients experiencing challenging family difficulties. She is intelligent, super organised and a joy to work with. She has flourished through her training period and we are very much looking forward to her continuing to be a fantastic solicitor and member of the family department team."

Roy Bridge said Daisy had demonstrated resilience and focus throughout her training.

“Balancing a training contract with the SQE is no small task, and Daisy approached it with determination,” he said. “She has developed strong technical ability in conveyancing matters and growing confidence in her work. We’re delighted to welcome her as a qualified solicitor in the team.”

Strengthening legal services in Eastbourne and East Sussex

Daisy and Lucy’s qualifications reinforce Stephen Rimmer’s long-standing commitment to delivering high-quality legal services across Eastbourne and the wider East Sussex region whilst remaining dedicated to promoting in-house, local talent.

Both solicitors are based in the Eastbourne office, ensuring continuity of service for local clients in Residential Conveyancing and Family Law.

Having grown up in East Sussex, Lucy notes:

“I understand the pressures and realities that people in this community face.”

Discussing some advice she would give to future trainees, Daisy says:

“I would advise future trainees not to give up when things feel challenging, particularly when everything feels new and daunting. I’m keen to continue developing and contributing positively as I grow within the firm.”

A bright future at Stephen Rimmer

Lucy and Daisy’s qualifications represent not only superb individual achievement but also Stephen Rimmer’s continued investment in the future of the firm and the communities it serves.

Grant Sanders comments:

“Developing our own solicitors allows us to maintain the high standards our clients expect, while building a strong and stable future for the firm. Daisy and Lucy’s progression is something we are incredibly proud of, and we look forward to seeing them continue to grow their careers with us.”

For clients that investment translates into trusted legal advice, delivered by a firm equally committed to today’s needs and the community’s future.

Contact our solicitors in Eastbourne

For expert Residential Conveyancing or Family legal advice from a seamlessly coordinated team of solicitors, get in touch today.

You can contact our Eastbourne office by calling us on 01323 644222, or completing our simple contact form to arrange a free 30-minute consultation.