Our Emerging Leaders programme

KJ Smith Solicitors foster a culture of excellence and innovation, where everyone has the chance to grow, thrive, and lead.

This is why in 2022 we created the Emerging Leaders programme. The 2-year programme that aims to fast-track individuals and provide them with the skills and resources they need to transition from an Emerging Leader to a Leader, whereby they will successfully lead a team and run their own office.

The Emerging Leaders programme has been carefully designed to identify and nurture future leaders and provide the necessary support, training and mentorship to help each leader excel and reach new heights in their careers.

Each Emerging Leader’s journey is different. Beth Pettifer is an Associate Solicitor based at the Woodley Office. Beth was made an Emerging Leader in 2023 when working at the Guildford office but before this, was being trained as a future leader without even knowing it! Within her day-to-day role, Beth was doing 1-2-1s with junior colleagues, sending out data to the teams and taking control of the day-to-day running of the office in her manager’s absence. Now Beth is on the Emerging Leader programme, she meets once a month at an off-site meeting with the other Emerging Leaders. During these meetings, the Emerging Leaders are given statistics and data, brainstorm any current issues and share ideas about how other offices can improve. After 2 years on the programme, the goal is for Beth to graduate as a Leader and officially head up the Woodley office.

Robyn Bowyer is a Partner and Head of the Southampton office. Robyn graduated from the Emerging Leader programme in 2023 and is now officially a leader and Head of the team at Southampton. As a Leader, Robyn meets with other Leaders once a month to share ideas and discuss challenges helping each office improve that bit more each month. Robyn Bowyer now has a team of 3 that she manages in her ever-growing Southampton team.

Both Leaders and Emerging Leaders meet each quarter at an off-site training day where expert speakers, such as Mark Robb are invited to give insightful talks and presentations about the world of leadership. These meetings allow all leaders to meet and catch up regularly, discuss company updates and develop their leadership skills.

The Emerging Leaders programme truly is a unique opportunity to fast-track individuals into leadership roles.

“The Emerging Leaders programme provides me with the support I need to develop and grow as a leader. As a result, I never feel as though I am on my own as I have a full network around me. I know I am now on a path with all the resources I need to be the best leader I can for my team” – Beth Pettifer, Associate Solicitor

“The Emerging Leaders programme really equipped me with the skills required to head up and lead my team. The training does not however end there, with the offsite meetings and monthly head of office meetings I am constantly tailoring my skills to be the best leader I can be for my team” – Robyn Bowyer, Partner and Head of Southampton Office.