School Leavers ‘A’ Level Student Case
Studies
Keith
Astbury, F.Inst.L.Ex.
“The value of Legal Executives has been
increasingly recognised over the past five to ten years. I welcome
this; the work we do is important.”
A Fellow of ILEX, Keith Astbury has over
twenty years experience in criminal law. He fights his client’s
corner with vigour and fairness working as a Legal Executive lawyer
with Glaisyers Solicitors in Birmingham.
Keith works closely with the Criminal Cases
Review Commission and is well respected for his involvement in
miscarriage of justice work, the majority on a pro bono basis.
“I left school at 18 and chose to pursue a
career in law at grass-roots level with ILEX, rather than go to
University. The chance to earn a salary and continue to qualify was
appealing.
“I started in a small trade union personal
injury firm and began my course at a local college before moving
into criminal law. I handle all areas of criminal work, from being
an accredited representative for police station advice to preparing
Crown Court cases.
Ashi
Arora, F.Inst.L.Ex.
“Specialising in personal
injury cases, I feel both valued and respected by my
colleagues”
Having completed her ‘A’ levels, Ashi Arora
decided to enrol for a legal administration course at college, her
first step towards a career in law. However, Ashi’s ultimate
goal was to qualify as a lawyer and after researching her options,
she realised that the ILEX route would allow her to work at her own
pace and gain hands-on experience at the same time.
“My first position was as an outdoor clerk,
taking half a day off a week to attend college. The firm paid for
my course fees and exams and I had the support and guidance of
experienced practitioners around me.
“It took five years to complete the ILEX
qualification during which time I relocated to Manchester and began
working as a trainee Legal Executive. It was certainly hard work,
while my friends were on summer holiday I would be revising, but
the long-term goals were definitely worth focusing on.
“In 1997 I joined Davis Blank Furniss
Solicitors and I now specialise in personal injury cases. The team
around me is extremely supportive and I feel both valued and
respected by my colleagues.
“I am an active member of the local ILEX
branch and the Manchester Junior Chamber of Commerce, where I have
learned skills such as delegation and time management. In
recognition of my contribution to the community, alongside my
professional accomplishments, I have been honoured with the Asian
Achievers Award.”
Gavin Neill
M.Inst.L.Ex.
"I offer legal advice, negotiating and
drafting amendments to contracts and co-ordinating complicated
restructures and terminations.”
Gavin works for the Royal Bank of
Scotland. He left college with 3 ‘A’ Levels in Law,
Psychology and Sociology. He was encouraged to attend college
and study for the ILEX qualifying exams instead of going to
University. Having successfully passed his exams, he
is now a Member of ILEX and provides legal support to the
Royal Bank of Scotland.