North Wales law worker tops the class in prestigious national legal examination and wins top award

A LAW worker has won an illustrious prize after achieving the highest mark in a rigorous legal examination.

Rachael Goodwin, accounts manager and data protection officer at QualitySolicitors Edward Hughes, will receive the Wilfred Owen Award from the Institute of Legal Finance and Management (ILFM) after passing the Associate level Legal Practice Management exam with flying colours.

The 27 year-old, a former pupil at Eirias High School, thanked staff at the Colwyn Bay and Rhyl-based firm for their support, as well as mum Lyn and partner, Jamie.

“It was a huge shock to hear I had the top marks of anyone taking the examination, and a real honour to be chosen for the award,” said Rachael, from Llanddulas.

“Winning this prize has proven to me that hard work, dedication and perseverance really can bring positive results.

“All the weekends and evenings I spent studying have definitely paid off!”

She added: “The company – especially partners Richard, Alex and David – are always supportive and encouraged me to push and challenge myself, which gave me a huge boost.

“My aim now is to pass the ILFM Associate Accounting examination and continue my studies to qualify as a chartered accountant, but for now I’m going to enjoy this amazing news.”

Rachael, 27, will attend the ILFM ceremony at The Honourable Middle Temple in London this September.

Richard Johnson, a partner at QualitySolicitors Edward Hughes, congratulated her on the award.

“For Rachael to pass with the best score and go on to receive the Wilfred Owen Award provides some recognition of the hard work and effort that she has put into her studies for the course,” said Richard.

“We are all very proud of her and hope she enjoys the awards ceremony.”