Meet the solicitor who arrived on work experience - and never left

15 years after arriving on placement, Lydia Haidaciuc is now making plans to leave, but just for the duration of her second maternity leave.

The 39-year-old private client specialist, of Rushyford, near Darlington, originally arrived on work experience in the summer of 2011. She was then appointed as a legal assistant before being awarded a training contract.

She said that although Scotts Hall & Birtles has grown in that time, it has always been able to retain the same family-orientated, supportive culture.

“It’s why I came back after my first baby and will be coming back after this one,” she added.

“In the last five years we’ve steadily grown, employed a lot more people and then in the merger we got bigger still. It looks very different from the firm I’ve joined but I’m glad to be a part of it.”

The former Carmel College and Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College pupil, who graduated in Law from Leeds Met University, said the working culture at Scotts Hall & Birtles was “really hard to find” elsewhere.

She said: “When I speak to friends from law school, some are working for bigger firms, where they do feel like they are just one of a number.

“Here, you are always listened to, there is flexibility in your work to some extent and there is an emphasis on getting that work-life balance right.

“It's the little things that make a difference, especially as you move into a new phase of your life, like having a family.”

Thanks for the 15 years, Lydia, and enjoy your maternity leave when it comes!