Gemma Brown

Ms Brown, from Larkhall, started off as an office junior and then a criminal secretary, before moving to the conveyancing team and eventually becoming a paralegal in 2006.

Over the course of a decade, she worked her way up to become the firm’s first female executive director in 2016 and head of the conveyancing department in 2017.

A spokesperson for the firm said they hoped her story “inspires others who want to work their way up to becoming a solicitor”.

Ms Brown said: “Throughout my time with the firm, my job role has dramatically changed and my understanding, knowledge and insight of the law has improved beyond measure. I have gained invaluable hands on experience which cannot be taught purely from books.

“I feel very lucky to have been able to learn and observe from others, deepening my passion and awareness for the law. My dream is to become a solicitor.”

She added: “I feel I have now reached the peak of my career and would love the opportunity to become the first female partner/director of Scullion LAW in its 40 years existence.”