Legal “ease”

Alternate study routes in law open opportunities to develop talent

When looking to start her career in law, graduate Chloe admits she never considered an apprenticeship.

But, after heading off to travel in Australia, Covid hit, and she found herself back in the UK searching for the right opportunity.

“Falling into this role felt like a lucky accident,” said the 29-year-old from Hartlepool, who is now a lawyer at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and the first CILEX Level 6 apprentice to complete the programme delivered by Innersummit Professional Services at Bede Sixth Form College.

The college in Billingham added the apprenticeship to its CILEX mix four years ago and the team is excited to see its first learners completing the programme.

Chloe originally applied for a legal officer role with the council, but unsuccessful on that occasion, they suggested she consider applying for an upcoming apprenticeship position.

“It was an opportunity to get paid and gain an additional qualification which felt like a no-brainer,” she said.

Fast-tracked through the five-year programme, due to her qualifications, she added: “Three years seemed a long time, but it has flown.”

As the CILEX courses offer the chance to gain increasing levels of qualification while you study, Chloe’s career progressed alongside the apprenticeship, promoted to legal officer and now lawyer.

“The programme is based around behaviours, knowledge and competencies, so you get the practical experience at the same time as the theoretical knowledge,” she explained. “It all helps things to make sense as you see what you are learning in action.”

Hot on Chloe’s heels is Bethany, 25, from Thornaby, who completed the CILEX Level 6 apprenticeship in January. Working in conveyancing at Smith & Graham Solicitors she is now a chartered legal executive.

After studying law at university, Bethany faced fierce competition looking for a training contract, particularly amid the challenges post-Covid.

In April 2021 she secured the CILEX apprenticeship with Smith & Graham. She said: “It proved to be the best decision. Conveyancing isn’t something I had thought about, but I love it.”

The hands-on nature of the programme meant Bethany hit the ground running. Starting as a legal assistant, she progressed to being a paralegal, a fee earner, and is now a chartered legal executive with her own caseload of approximately 60 plus active files.

She said: “I suppose it does sound a bit scary, and it is hard work, but after everything I have put into getting here, it feels great.”

Her employer, law firm Smith & Graham, recognises the part apprenticeships and training play in developing their workforce.

Practice manager Jennifer Bailly said: “We can tailor our apprentices’ training to the firm’s needs, supervise their progression and focus their training to those areas of law in which we specialise.”

This means they get to attract, cultivate and retain future talent.

Jennifer said: “Our apprentices gain real world practical experience within their roles. They work alongside solicitors, legal executives, licensed conveyancers and other lawyers who pass on their knowledge and experience.”

Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, where Chloe is flying high, started his working life as an apprentice. He said: “Apprenticeships are vital to individuals so they can earn while they learn, gain hands-on experience, build industry connections, work towards recognised qualifications and enhance career progression.

“They offer a unique opportunity to attract and engage the best and brightest talent in the workforce.”

CILEX delivered by Innersummit at Bede

Alternate study routes into law may not be something new but they are increasingly becoming a viable option for individuals and employers looking to retrain and upskill.

“It opens up opportunities to those interested in a career in law and to employers looking to build and invest in their workforce,” said Innersummit Professional Services’ legal skills manager, Peter Rowlands.

A lecturer in law, both on A level and CILEX courses at Bede, he says law training no longer has to be seen as a one-size-fits-all solution.

Study options such as CILEX are increasingly recognised for their flexibility, particularly with part-time, distance learning and apprenticeship training available.

Peter explained: “CILEX is more of a vocational route which enables learners to study while working in the legal sector.”

Victoria Christie is a practising solicitor, apprenticeship assessor and CILEX law lecturer with Innersummit and is seeing students of all ages coming through.

“We aim to include an andragogical approach into lessons which means bringing people’s own life and career experiences into the classroom,” she said. “As a result, students learn from one another, applying their knowledge to real life scenarios.”

What’s more, with so many career options in law, she added: “You find skills in law are highly transferable.”

Innersummit Professional Services offers a range of part-time courses delivered either by distance learning or in person at Bede Sixth Form College in Billingham. To find out more about CILEX and apprenticeship training, or to discuss bespoke training opportunities and how they could work around your business email: hello@innersummit.co.uk

Part of the Education Training Collective, Innersummit Professional Services provides employer-focused training solutions, with high-quality courses, designed and delivered by sector specialists, to address skills gaps and enhance performance.