Meet Some of the Rising Stars at Carpenters Group
01 August 2025
In the recent “Women In Law Supplement” of Modern Law Magazine, four Carpenters Group rising stars shared their career journeys, proudest achievements, and the people who have helped shape their path.
Donna Ellis-Connell, Chartered Legal Executive
What first brought you to Carpenters Group, and what made it feel like the right place to grow your legal career?
I moved to Carpenters at the request of Carol Hopwood, Head of Serious Injury. It was clear that Carpenters like to promote from within and I knew that I would be able to take the next step here.
What's been your proudest moment so far since joining Carpenters?
Transitioning from being an Assistant to being a Serious Injury Lawyer in my own right! Most people would not think this career shift is possible - but with hard work, effort, determination and the right people encouraging you, you can achieve anything. I am proof of that. If you'd have asked me as 16 years old if I could be a lawyer one day, I would not have said yes, but here I am!
How would you describe the culture at Carpenters Group. Especially when it comes to supporting and empowering women?
Supportive, progressive and inclusive culture especially for women which is evidenced by the number of females in senior roles.
Who has inspired or supported you most during your time at Carpenters, and how has that influenced your journey?
Carol Hopwood has always been my biggest inspiration and supporter. Her support is what has led me to the position I am in today.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice before starting out here, what would it be?
Don’t give up when things get tough.
Bethany Cronin, Trainee Solicitor
What first brought you to Carpenters Group, and what made it feel like the right place to grow your career?
Carpenters is a leading business in the personal injury sector. Not only this, but they offer countless benefits to help their staff find a work/life balance. I was drawn to Carpenters as they are well known for investing in their people to allow them to progress. I knew that this would be the best path for me to prove my potential and expand my knowledge in a business that is continuously growing and expanding.
What's been your proudest moment so far since joining Carpenters?
My proudest moment since joining Carpenters is acquiring my training contract. After completing my Law degree, Masters in Law and LPC as well as many years' experience in a legal position, it has been my ultimate life goal to qualify as a Solicitor. Carpenters were able to see my potential and gave me the opportunity to qualify. I am delighted that hard work and dedication has been recognised within the business. Carpenters have supported my dream to grow my career and reach my highest potential.
How would you describe the culture at Carpenters Group, especially when it comes to supporting and empowering women?
Carpenters is a brilliant place to work when it comes to equality and diversity. I have never felt that being a woman puts a ceiling on my training or growth within the business.
Many of the most inspiring people I have come across within the business are women including the director Donna Scully and CEO, Donna Richards. Gender does not restrict your career aspirations and this is clear within the business.
Who has inspired or supported you most during your time at Carpenters, and how has that influenced your journey?
Donna Scully has inspired me during my time at Carpenters. I have always been keen to give back as much as I can whilst I have the capability to do so. Carpenters pride themselves on the charitable work they do. I have been lucky enough to be involved in the Carpenters Charity and Social Group. This has given me the opportunity to have taken part in multiple charitable events, including; abseiling down Liverpool Cathedral for Shelter charity. volunteering at the Inclusive Hub, running in the Liverpool Santa Dash and partaking in a Dragon Boat race for Clatterbridge cancer charity.
Donna manages to dedicate her time to many charitable causes including running a homeless breakfast club every Sunday on top of being a joint owner/director at Carpenters. Donna is not only a successful business woman but she is also using her success to help others in need, this is something to be admired.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice before starting out here, what would it be?
To be yourself. Success looks different to everyone and no one's timeline is the same. Your background, gender and social status does not put limits on your progress. No matter how long it takes, keep going. Embrace challenges and learn from your mistakes, this is the only way you'll grow. Take every opportunity that is put in front of you, you never know where you'll end up.
Rebecca Ward, Operations Manager RTA
What first brought you to Carpenters Group, and what made it feel like the right place to grow your career?
I joined Carpenters at a time in my career when I wanted to improve. I knew Carpenters offered a lot of opportunity and felt this was somewhere I could take any opportunities to progress.
What's been your proudest moment so far since joining Carpenters?
My proudest moment was being successful in my application for Operations Manager. I have worked in various leadership roles throughout the business whilst growing in knowledge and as a person. Day to day my role provides challenges however, I am proud to work with the team of people I do, allowing us to be successful together.
How would you describe the culture at Carpenters Group, especially when it comes to supporting and empowering women?
Inspiring and motivational. There are opportunities for everyone and the encouragement that is provided really does go a long way and make you feel like you can achieve anything you put your mind to.
Who has inspired or supported you most during your time at Carpenters, and how was that influenced your journey?
Joanne Haslam. Jo has been my manager for a long time – as a Legal Advisor and as a Team Manager, as well as now being an Operations Manager. Jo provides encouragement every day and there is never a problem that can’t be solved together. Jo has shown me that it is important to always aim as high as you possible can.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice before starting out here, what would it be?
Never give up and by working hard, you can achieve anything you put your mind to. Also, take any criticism as a positive and use this to better yourself.
Bobby Jo Doherty, Serious Injury Solicitor Apprentice
What first brought you to Carpenters Group, and what made it feel like the right place to grow your career?
I have been employed within Carpenters Group Serious and Catastrophic Injury Team since 2019 following completion of my A Levels. I always thought I would go down the traditional route of University to qualify until I interviewed for my first Apprenticeship at Carpenters Group. I was interviewed by my current manager and Head of Serious Injury, Carol Hopwood, and Chartered Legal Executive, Donna Ellis. They explained the culture of Carpenters and the Serious Injury Team as well as the importance of the work being done. I remember walking out of the interview feeling inspired not only by the work they discussed but also the passion they both had for their jobs. I knew the role would allow me to contribute in some way to making a difference for those whose lives had ben turned upside down through no fault of their own.
After starting the job July 2019 at 18 years old, I quickly realised the invaluable experience I was gaining from on-the-job learning and the professional relationships I was developing alongside studying. The team and firm have always encouraged my learning and development both practically and academically. Following the successful completion of the Level 3 CILEX Paralegal Apprenticeship in 2021, I started the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship in September 2021. I am very grateful to have been given the opportunities Carpenters Group have given me. I consider myself extremely lucky that I was able to find a firm and community that has felt like the right fit for me from the start of my career.
What's been your proudest moment so far since joining Carpenters?
It would be extremely difficult to select one key moment as I am simply proud to have the job, client care skills and professional network that I have now and I thank Carpenters Group for that. I had no connections in the industry and come from a low-income family with no history of higher education. The firm strongly promotes social mobility and the notion that working hard can get you where you want to be. Despite my household being a low-income one, I am and always will be proud of my roots and the culture at Carpenters definitely reinforces this.
When I first started I assisted largely with administrative tasks for the entire team and within 6 months I was promoted to a legal assistant for one of the Serious Injury Solicitors. I continue to assist a very experienced Serious Injury Solicitor who is also the Deputy Manager and I have assisted with claims settling in excess of one million pound. There are a number of things I am proud but mainly the feeling when I have assisted in achieving the best possible outcome for a seriously injured client and following receipt of positive client feedback.
How would you describe the culture at Carpenters Group, especially when it comes to supporting and empowering women?
I have always been encouraged to push myself at Carpenters and feel I have developed so much over the years. I have said this before but I truly believe if you are dedicated, work hard, have a can do attitude and stick to the Carpenters Group ethos that you will do well regardless of your background or gender.
