Contributors
Katie Watson, a Newcastle-based corporate solicitor apprentice at international law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD), has been recognised as the North East's top young apprentice by leading business publication Insider.
Working with clients on a range of transactions across numerous sectors, Katie assists in all aspects of corporate transactional work including M&A, private equity, reorganisations and general company law and governance matters.
Katie has provided support across a number of leading corporate transactions since joining as a solicitor apprentice in September 2021, including LDC's investment in Aspire Technology Solutions and the sale of Northumbria Coast and Country Cottages to private equity-backed Sykes Holiday Cottages.
She was particularly highlighted for her dedication to "the promotion of apprenticeships" and, in her role as a director of the Newcastle Young Professionals' Forum, bringing the region's young professionals together through networking.
Katie said:
"I am incredibly grateful to be named the North East's Young Apprentice of the Year by Insider and I would like to thank the judging panel for recognising me in an incredibly talented field. I would also like to thank the WBD corporate team for supporting and giving me the opportunity to continually develop through my apprenticeship.
"Apprenticeships are a vital pathway for enhancing social mobility within the legal sector and it's great to see that they're being increasingly recognised and encouraged. Despite its challenges, choosing the apprenticeship route has been one of the best decisions I've made and I hope I can continue to highlight the benefits our talented young professionals can bring to this region."
