Jonny Noble is a Trainee in our Commercial Property team, but how did a degree in Modern History lead him into a legal career? To find out this and more about Jonny, read our write-up below!

What’s your biggest achievement – professional or personal?

Professionally, my biggest achievement to date is my Masters in Law which I have attained while working full-time as a Legal Assistant here at Berwins by studying for the Law degree on weekends. I also have a degree in Modern History which I am extremely proud of.

In 2018 I won Legal Assistant of the Year for Yorkshire while being a part of our thriving residential property team, assisting the esteemed Michelle Crowhurst on residential transactions.

More recently I joined the commercial property team at Berwins and started my training contract in September 2022. We deal with high value commercial property sales and re-financing developments across Yorkshire, as well as nationally. 

Tell us a bit about your background…

I grew up in the Lake District in a little village called Greystoke where we spent many a Sunday afternoon walking. Just before I went to secondary school, we moved to Harrogate because of family being in Yorkshire, where both my older sister and I attended Harrogate Grammar School.

After finishing my Modern History degree, I decided to take on a second degree and changed from History to Law. My Mum cannot believe the little lad who thought school was finished after attending just one day is still studying. 

What do you like to do outside of work?

I’m often found out on the golf course, playing or watching football or at home relaxing in front of the TV with a film. Following lockdown, the first sport to return was golf, so I gave it a go and soon realised how enjoyable it is and how stunning the views can be. I was determined to improve, and recently joined Harrogate Golf Club, tasking myself with getting my handicap down as much as possible over the next year or so!

I have played football since I was a junior in the Harrogate league for Nidd United and have carried on playing in 6-a-side league with friends. I am a big supporter of Harrogate Town, and along with my family, have followed them through their promotions from the Conference North to League Two. 

What about the way you approach your work makes you unique?

As I have been here at Berwins for six years as a Legal Assistant, I have been able to gain experience from highly skilled lawyers across all areas of property – both residential and commercial – giving me a deep expertise and knowledge. However, what I am most proud of is my approach to assisting and advising clients to ensure we achieve the best outcome to meet their business needs.

Where did you study and what training and education do you have?

Having completed my GCSEs and A-levels at Harrogate Grammar School, I had no idea what career I wanted so always followed what subjects I enjoyed the most. I then went straight to the vibrant and historical city of Liverpool for three years to study a Modern History degree at Liverpool John Moores University. This ranged from learning about the rise and fall of the British Empire and conflicts in Africa to a study on Spanish Civil War which included a field trip to Madrid. This made me realise that research and analysing documents is what I enjoy most.

After completing the Modern History degree, I then decided to pursue a career as a solicitor due to enjoying the research and analytical side of my previous degree. I landed my first legal role here at Berwins in residential property and moved back to Harrogate for the next step of my studies and career. While working full time, I decided to take on the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and the Legal Practice Course (LPC) on weekends.

Having now been given the opportunity to continue my training here at Berwins, I have recently started my training contract and can’t wait to see what the future holds.