Alternative routes to the law and career progression

This December we’re looking back at our year and how we’ve supported our staff through what has been very difficult times. We’re looking at the different routes our staff have taken to become solicitors and the career progression we’ve encouraged this year.

BPE takes on up to 4 trainee solicitors every year, giving people the opportunity to learn on the job having completed a university degree and the legal practice course (LPC). This traditional route to law has always been supported by BPE because trainees are incredibly valuable to the firm and to the legal profession.

While BPE offers several training contracts every year, BPE recognises that following the traditional route is not possible for everyone who aspires to become a solicitor. For this reason, BPE supports staff who are studying with the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) whose goal it is to qualify as a Solicitor. Only this year, Katie Pickering completed her CILEx studies and qualified as a Solicitor into the Construction and Engineering team while Steve Conlay in the Employment team qualified as Associate (CILEx). CILEx allows students to study alongside working full time, gaining hands-on work experience to support their studies.

With the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam in 2021, there are lots of opportunities for people to join the legal profession without having to study at university.

We’ve had reasons to celebrate thanks to several internal promotions. Three new Partners were named in April: Adam Kean (Corporate), Jemma Jones (Family) and Anna Wood who was subsequently made Head of Construction and Engineering at BPE. Both the Private Wealth and Commercial Litigation teams gained Senior Associates. Natalie Cottrell, an authority on property and agricultural related matters, and Peter Knibbs, who was recognised for the second time in 12 months. Finally, Kathryn King, who trained and qualified at BPE, was promoted to Associate in the Corporate team advising clients on acquisitions, AIM listings and fundraisings.

If you’re interested in joining a regional law firm with over 10 specialist areas of law, please get in contact with out HR Manager, Amanda Coleman.

These notes have been prepared for the purpose of articles only. They should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice.