Career Changers Case Studies
Carol Wright
F.Inst.L.Ex.
“After 7 years as a police officer
with Thames Valley Police I decided to study law at college as a
mature student with ILEX, and found work as a Legal Secretary. I
graduated as a Legal Executive, choosing personal injury work as my
specialist field. The next step is the Advocacy Course and I have
also applied to be a Magistrate."
Nicki Slawson, Trainee Legal
Executive
“I love my job – I wake up each morning
and look forward to going into work”
Nicki Slawson is currently a trainee Legal
Executive at Hossacks Solicitors in Kettering, who specialise in
Public Law, Community Care and Human Rights. Nicki was previously a
Registered Mental Health Nurse. She always wanted to pursue a
career in the Law, but knew a Law degree would be too demanding.
“As I am a single mother, I wanted to devote my time to my young
children, triplets aged 7 and twins aged 3.
“Anyone can be successful as a trainee Legal
Executive if they are dedicated to wanting a career in the law. The
assignments and case studies need work and planning, so a Legal
Executive should be prepared to put the time
in.
“The ILEX training route fitted in well with
my lifestyle. Northampton College have contributed towards the cost
of childcare so it gave me the opportunity to learn and support
myself and my children.“
Simon Mansell, MBE
“As a mature student, the ILEX
qualification in law was the icing on the cake”
Simon Mansell started studying by distance
learning with ILEX Tutorial College while serving in the Royal
Navy. This made sense for him, as the course was in manageable
chunks that were not too expensive. As he was in active service,
this proved ideal.
“The study was difficult at first as Law was a
completely new subject and I was doing a large amount of national
and international travel. However, the manuals coupled with the
feedback from the ITC tutors were a great help. “When I realised
that I also needed some practical experience I contacted my
district council (Penwith). I was offered a job on their legal
team.
“My final Level 4 Diploma subject will be
local government law, a subject few law students choose but vital
for where I now work.
“As a mature student the only thing I lacked
for a job in ‘civvy’ street was a suitable qualification. I had
managed my own team and was well versed in administrative and
social skills. The ILEX qualification was the icing on the
cake!”