Battens Solicitors celebrates further exam success

Battens Solicitors is marking the achievements of two of its talented and hard-working staff who have recently qualified as a Fellow of the Chartered Legal Executive and as a Graduate of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.

Erin Darling-Finan, who is a specialist in Personal Injury and Medical Negligence law and is based at our Yeovil office, is now a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives. Erin became a Graduate of CILEX in August 2021, having successfully completed her Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice with a specialism in Civil Litigation, and has now been admitted as a Fellow after approval of a 300-page portfolio evidencing her competence as a lawyer.

Rachael Webber, who is also based in Yeovil, specialises in Dispute Resolution and Property Dispute Resolution. She has successfully completed her Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice with a specialism in Civil Litigation and is now a Graduate of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives. Rachael plans to qualify as a solicitor and is planning to study the new Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) course which has replaced the traditional Legal Practice Course (LPC).

CILEx offers a route to a legal career and to becoming a qualified lawyer without the requirement of a law degree, although law graduates and also graduates with non-law degrees can qualify as a lawyer through the scheme. Those studying CILEx receive on the job training while they complete their academic studies.

Battens has a long and proud to track record of encouraging staff to reach their potential and to progress in their careers, and the CILEx route to professional qualifications has been a popular choice for many of Battens’ staff.

Erin said: “I am delighted to have qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive after almost 10 years of hard work and exams. Qualifying via the CILEX route has meant I have been able to get invaluable hands-on experience while simultaneously studying for the multiple exams necessary to meet the academic requirements. This has allowed me to build strong relationships with clients and other professionals while working to become a fully qualified lawyer.”

Rachael said : “Gaining my graduate status gave me a huge sense of relief and pride. Although I intend to continue with my studies and to qualify as a solicitor, CILEx has been a brilliant stepping-stone for me and the best training I could have wished for. I obtained a degree in English Language, but going back to university was not an option for me. Studying through CILEx has enabled me to work at the same time as gaining my qualifications, improving both my practical and my academic knowledge.

The Chairman of Battens Peter Livingstone commented: “We are delighted with what Erin and Rachael have achieved. They have shown great commitment and dedication to their studies while maintaining an excellent standard of client care. We offer them both our warmest congratulations and we encourage them to continue to progress in their careers.”