Jessica Barnett is a finalist in the Rising Star award which recognises an outstanding employee who has progressed significantly over the past 12-24 months.

Finalists were chosen by the awards programme’s steering committee and the winners of all ten categories will be announced at an event which will be held at the Pirelli Stadium on Thursday November 11.

Jessica worked her way up with the firm and was appointed in a permanent position in the Family Law team in 2020 - working primarily in the firm’s Derby and Burton offices as well as at the Swadlincote and Ashby offices.

Jessica Barnett first worked for Timms in her school summer holidays when she was 16 years-old – helping in the archiving department before moving away to read History of Art at the University of Manchester.

After completing her Masters, she was invited back to Timms to cover staff illness on reception and was quickly recruited to work with the conveyancing team.

She was then appointed as a Paralegal in the Family Law department and combined full time work with studying for the law conversion course at Nottingham Law School.

Timms Managing Partner Fiona Moffat said: “Jessica is an exceptional solicitor.  She manages her own caseload in the Family Team and during her training  was often approached by senior colleagues to work with them on high profile cases because she can manage the pressure exceptionally well and due to her attention to detail.

“Furthermore, she has taken on additional duties to help to support improvements in the overall running of her firm including the implementation of a new company-wide case management system.

“Jessica supports the University of Derby Law School’s mentoring programme. She is empathetic beyond her years, knowledgeable, level-headed and a valued member of the team. We are delighted that she has been recognised in this way.”

Jessica added: “It was a lovely surprise to be nominated by colleagues for this award and I feel very proud to have been shortlisted.

“Timms Solicitors have given me so many opportunities to develop my career and I am looking forward to progressing further, armed with all knowledge and experience I have gained as a lawyer here.”