A SOLICITOR who was living Down Under is on top after qualifying as a solicitor.
After successfully achieving a Law degree at Cardiff University, Ben Jones decided to reflect on his future and experience more of the world.
What followed was a year in Australia, a spell as a tour guide in Bali and time spent in the London property sector, before he returned home to North Wales with a revitalised attitude towards the legal industry.
Ben, who grew up in Denbigh and attended Ysgol Glan Clwyd in St Asaph, had always wanted to follow in the footsteps of dad David, a partner at QualitySolicitors Edward Hughes.
Following a rigorous three years of exams and training he is able to do so; Ben is now qualified as a solicitor practising family and criminal law at the firm, which has offices in Rhyl and Colwyn Bay.
“Dad was always travelling back and forth to court and police stations, trying to help people and make a difference,” said Ben.
“There were times when I thought about doing other things – particularly in sport as that’s a great passion of mine – but my heart has always been in the law.
“That said, after university I wasn’t completely sure it was the right path for me, so I went to Australia for a year, then Bali and back to London, before realising that I could not let all of my education and training go to waste.
“Becoming a solicitor was the right career for me.”
Ben, a fluent Welsh speaker, then began studying for the LPC (Legal Practice Course) and relevant qualifications in advocacy, professional skills, police station work and client care.
That meant journeying between North Wales, Manchester, Cardiff and his Chester home before receiving confirmation that he passed all the exams to become a fully qualified solicitor.
“I’m absolutely delighted and want to thank everyone at Edward Hughes for the guidance I’ve received, particularly Stephen Warburton and the partners,” said Ben.
“When I returned to education I grew in confidence and learning and working as a trainee at the Rhyl office meant I was getting hands-on experience of the job. That played a big part.”
With the support of girlfriend Christina, who relocated from Canada to Cheshire this year, Ben now hopes to represent the practice at magistrates’ courts from 2020 onwards.
His refreshing attitude to helping others, especially children in care and vulnerable families, reflects the ethos which has seen Edward Hughes remain at the forefront of the law in North Wales for more than 70 years.
“Dealing with cases involving children is tough, the outcomes can be quite stark but there is a flip side to that in being able to help people get their lives back on track,” said Ben.
“I like to listen to people, to be there for them to talk to. Putting the legal issue to the side, if someone is struggling it is human nature to try and be there for them, which I am.
“Sometimes people just need pointing in the right direction, if they’re homeless or vulnerable or in a bad place. We can guide them.”
He added: “I think that’s what this firm is about and why I am so proud to be representing them.
“Edward Hughes has been at the heart of this area for more than 70 years; we are a community firm and its important we help others and retain that identity.”
