EDUCATION
Chloe Sherry – the first CILEX level 6 apprentice to complete the programme delivered by Innersummit Professional Services at Bede Sixth Form College .
Alternate study routes into law open up opportunities to develop talent
LEGAL ‘ EASE ’
When looking to start her career in law , graduate Chloe Sherry admits she never considered an apprenticeship .
But , after heading off to travel in Australia , Covid hit , putting her plans on hold , 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 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 , the team suggested she consider applying for an upcoming apprenticeship position .
“ It was an opportunity to get paid and gain an additional qualification which , at that point , felt like a no-brainer ,” she said .
Fast-tracked through the five-year programme , due to her previous qualifications , she added : “ Three years seemed like 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 and applied to working life .”
Hot on Chloe ’ s heels is Bethany Paterson , 25 ,
Bethany Paterson – now a chartered legal executive with Middlesbroughbased Smith and Graham Solicitors .
from Thornaby , who completed the CILEX level 6 apprenticeship in January .
Working in conveyancing at Smith and 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 and Graham .
She said : “ It proved to be the best decision . Conveyancing isn ’ t something I had thought about going in to , 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 .
34 | Tees Business