Back in the 1980s, Karen Riley joined York solicitors Guest Walker & Company as a humble secretary. Now she has been appointed partner in The Shambles-based practice.

Her appointment was announced at the same time as fellow solicitor, Nicola Goodman, becomes a partner. It means they join John Guest and John Walker to lead the 23-year-old practice. Karen, originally secretary to Mr Guest at a time when he was sole practitioner, left to bring up a family, but still had a taste for the excitement of the legal world. So she took a law degree at Hull University, went on to York College of Law and was articled to Ashworth Tetlow & Co in York.

After working for Stamp Jackson and Procter of Hull and later for Rollitts in York, she found herself full circle back at Guest Walker and Co, specialising in residential and commercial property work.

That was nearly four years ago. Now, as partner, she will share the rudder to steer the firm.

"Being a secretary was definitely a good grounding, but I really itched to get involved. I said to myself 'I can do that'. And now I do!"

Nicola has been with the practice for eight years, specialising in family law and heads up the litigation department.

Updated: 10:06 Monday, October 18, 2004