Leading South West Law Firm Battens Solicitors is celebrating the achievements of three staff members who have all qualified to become Chartered Legal Executives. (CILEX)
Jen Haynor, and Emma Taylor from Battens’ Residential Property Department and Lizzie Seall from the firms’ Family Department have all become CILEX fellows.
A Chartered Legal Executive is a qualified lawyer who specialises in a particular area of law and has trained to the same standard as a solicitor in that area, whereas solicitors have expertise in many areas of the law. The qualification involves on the job training whilst also attending classes in law and practice either at accredited sites or through distance learning.
Lizzie Seall joined Battens as a Legal Secretary in 2010 and became a Paralegal in the Family Team before deciding to progress further in her career.
“Studying in my spare time and continuing to work full-time was often challenging. I am extremely proud of my achievement as taking this route was difficult at times and a lot of hard work. I am thankful to Battens for giving me the opportunity and grateful for the support from my colleagues. I have since started a new role in Battens’ Family Team as a Costing and Compliance Coordinator managing our firm’s Legal Aid contract.”
Jen Haynor began working as an apprentice at Battens before studying to qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive.
“I was fortunate enough to obtain an apprenticeship in business and administration with Battens, and from there became a legal assistant. I was then encouraged to look at CILEX and see if this was something I wanted to consider. It has not been the easiest path working full time and studying alongside but ultimately it was the best decision for me. I am now a qualified Legal Executive in an area of law that I really enjoy, already having gained years of experience within the area of law I practice which is invaluable. “
Emma Taylor has worked in residential law for almost a decade but also wanted to progress further in her career.
“I was so pleased and proud to finally qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive earlier this year. I started working as an apprentice in Residential Law in 2013 and progressed from there to a Conveyancing Assistant before becoming a fee earner and taking on my own clients a few years later whilst at Battens. It means so much to me after many years of hard work, studying towards CILEX and also working full time, progressing in my job role alongside. I am so grateful to Battens for allowing me the opportunity to complete my CILEX qualification alongside my job role and for always supporting that route.”
The Managing Director of Battens Ceri Stephens said, “Battens would not be able to deliver an exceptional service to clients without talented staff such as Lizzie, Jen and Emma. We recognise the important role they play in the success of our business and the hard work and commitment they have shown in gaining these qualifications. We are very proud of their achievements.”