Champion of the Week
Claudia Risorto, Apprentice Solicitor, Banner Jones Solicitors
Hi, I’m Claudia Risorto, an Apprentice Solicitor at Banner Jones Solicitors. We’re a well-established law firm that has been serving the Chesterfield area for over 145 years. We provide expert legal support across a wide range of areas, including property transactions, family law, employment, wills & probate and legal services for businesses.
What was the greatest achievement for your business or organisation over the past year?
One of our proudest achievements has been securing a place in the Legal 500 rankings for the 12th consecutive year. We’ve also been shortlisted again for the Sheffield & District Legal Awards, which is a fantastic recognition of the work we do. Additionally, we rank 1st in Chesterfield for the volume of property transactions we handle.
How would you describe Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, using only three words?
Emerging, well-connected, close-knit.
What are your favourite places to visit in Chesterfield and why?
I love spending time outdoors, especially in the Peak District. Walking my dog through areas like Chatsworth and the Monsal Trail is a great way to unwind. When it comes to food and drink, I enjoy visiting The Batch House, Bottle & Thyme, and Junction, and I’m a big fan of the brownies at The Savvy Baker! I also love going to watch Chesterfield FC with my family.
How is your business or organisation becoming more sustainable?
The legal industry has traditionally been very paper-heavy, but we’re making significant changes to reduce our environmental impact. We’ve introduced online portals to cut down on paper usage, replacing physical documents and letters with digital communication.
Why do you love working or doing business in Chesterfield or North Derbyshire?
Chesterfield has such a friendly and close-knit community. Everyone genuinely wants the best for each other, and we work closely with local estate agents, accountants, and mortgage advisers to provide the best possible service for clients. The supportive environment here makes it a great place to work and build strong professional relationships.
How is your business supporting young people?
I’m currently in the second year of a six-year solicitor apprenticeship. I believe it is a fantastic alternative to university because it provides real-world experience in a professional setting. Banner Jones has been incredibly supportive, allowing me to work across different departments and learn from experienced colleagues. This well-rounded approach is helping me build a strong foundation for my legal career.
How are you, your business, or your team supporting local people?
Over the last year, Banner Jones has raised over £30,000 for charities and local causes. We work closely with Ashgate Hospice and regularly take part in donation drives and the Sparkle Night Walk. We’re also passionate about inspiring the next generation—we attend careers fairs at local schools to raise awareness about legal careers, particularly apprenticeships.
What support or advice has your business received recently, and what has been the impact of it?
I’m lucky to have a fantastic mentor, Katie Ash, who helps me balance my university studies with my work at the firm. Studying in the evenings while working can be challenging, but having the right support in place has made all the difference.
Which upcoming development do you think will have the greatest impact on the town and why?
The planned redevelopment around the railway station will make Chesterfield even more accessible, potentially bringing more job opportunities and investment to the area. The Market Square redevelopment is also an exciting project. It’s great to see the traditional aspects of the town being preserved while enhancing the space to make it more attractive and vibrant.
What is your vision for Chesterfield and North Derbyshire in 2030? What do you think the town needs to achieve this?
By 2030, I hope to be a fully qualified solicitor, and I’d love to see more apprenticeships available in Chesterfield. Expanding apprenticeship opportunities would not only benefit young professionals but also strengthen the local economy by keeping skilled talent in the area.
