Not a Straight Line: My Unconventional Route into Law
By Janette Barton
I first became fascinated by law when I was studying for my A-Levels, the ever-changing nature of the subject which stood as a cornerstone of society and moral expectations always held my interest. Also, I have always wanted to help people.
Aged 18, I began reading Law at Oxford Brookes University, but university life wasn’t for me and I wanted to go into employment. I was anxious about being labelled a “drop out” but I have never regretted my decision to leave.
Upon leaving university, I built a career in hospitality which had me working all over the UK and meeting many wonderful people along my way from different areas, countries and cultures. It was an experience I thoroughly enjoyed and helped me to develop skills that came naturally to me.
When I reached my late 20’s, I felt it was time to give academia another go and get my law degree. I decided to finish my law degree with the Open University so that I could balance learning with my busy lifestyle and full-time employment. The balance of academia, employment and life worked perfectly for me.
Just before completing my degree, I began working for an immigration law firm in South Wales. Before long, I was promoted and given my own case load, and I was able to really help those in need. It was such incredibly fulfilling work.
In 2019, my partner and I returned to North Wales to be closer to family. I was lucky enough to get a job working as a legal secretary in the Private Client team at Swayne Johnson. In the same year, I completed my degree and gained my LLB (Hons).
Within a few months of starting at Swayne Johnson, I was promoted to the role of Legal Assistant and bookkeeper in the Court of Protection (COP) team. COP work suits my natural skill set perfectly and I am, once again, in a role where I can help and support some of our society’s most vulnerable adults. It’s an incredible rewarding and fulfilling role.
In 2022, my partner and I welcomed our daughter, Lily, into the world. Lily is now 3.
As part of my training and development, Swayne Johnson offered to support me in enrolling on the Graduate fast track program with CILEX to become a CILEX Lawyer. I was thrilled and grateful to be offered the opportunity.
Swayne Johnson have and continues to support me with training and fully funding this great opportunity.
Although I did not get into law via the “traditional” route, I am genuinely pleased with the ways things have happened. I have worked hard and gained some amazing life experience along the way. I feel I have been rewarded by being offered an incredible opportunity at Swayne Johnson to qualify as a legal professional in a supportive way that suits my learning and lifestyle.
