Teesside lawyer achieves CILEX qualification

A Teesside lawyer has emerged as one of the first in the country to achieve significant recognition for her legal expertise through the new CILEX route, enabling her to operate as a fully qualified CILEX Chartered Legal Executive Litigator and Advocate in Civil Litigation. Charlotte Barugh, working for Jacksons with offices in Teesside and Newcastle, has made strides in her career without following the traditional path of earning a law degree. By completing her CILEX Level 3 Diploma in Law and Practice in June 2021, she demonstrated her commitment and capability, culminating in her qualification as a legal executive in June 2023.

Charlotte's journey began when she joined Jacksons as a legal secretary in 2020, quickly embracing opportunities for professional growth. With the support of her firm, she worked diligently towards her CILEX qualifications, which ultimately offers an alternative route to becoming a lawyer that circumvents the pitfalls of student debt associated with lengthy university programmes. “I joined Jacksons as a legal secretary and wanted to develop my knowledge and qualify to become a lawyer,” she reflected on her motivations.

Her drive not only led her to personal success but also reshaped her perspective on legal education in the region. Charlotte has actively engaged with local schools to promote alternative pathways for students aspiring to enter the legal profession. “I think it’s important to show people there are alternative ways to develop in your career as I don’t believe the alternative routes are well known,” she observed, recognising the need for increased awareness among younger individuals.

Peter Rowlands, Charlotte's tutor and legal skills manager at Innersummit Professional Services, noted her as a standout student within the newly structured CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ) framework. “Charlotte was amongst my first cohort of students to achieve this professional standard and become qualified through this route,” he acknowledged her dedication and resilience during her studies. His approach emphasises the collaboration between educational institutions and law firms, which helps refine the learning experience for students, making it more aligned with real-world practices.

Toby Joel, equity partner at Jacksons and head of the dispute resolution team, expressed pride in Charlotte's accomplishments, reflecting on his own journey through the same route. “As a firm, we enjoy seeing our trainees qualifying as practising lawyers – something which is very rewarding when you have worked with them from the start of their careers,” he remarked. This illustrates a commitment to nurturing talent and inclusivity in the legal field, presenting opportunities irrespective of traditional educational backgrounds.

Charlotte Barugh's milestone achievement indeed signals a shift in the legal landscape, highlighting the importance of evolving educational pathways that cater to a diverse range of individuals. As she continues to build her career, she remains a beacon of inspiration for those considering non-traditional routes into the legal profession, and her journey is a testament to the potential within new frameworks that uplift aspiring legal professionals across the country.