Ellie Mewse - over to you...
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a Chartered Legal Executive (FCILex) and work in the Royal Wootton Bassett office. I’ve worked in both private practice and for Local Authorities as a Lawyer. I’ve been working in law for nearly 20 years now but qualified as a Fellow in January 2013.
What area of law do you work in?
I specialise in Property – mainly residential conveyancing - but have also worked in Commercial Property. Whilst at a Local Authority I also used to prepare the S38 Agreements, S278 Agreements etc – so a bit more commercial as well as Right to Buy properties.
Tell us about your journey to the law?
I started working in a law firm when I left school as a junior secretary. I quickly progressed to a paralegal role before deciding to go to University in Newcastle (Northumbria) where I studied Business Management and Marketing. I worked in a law firm close to the University part time throughout my degree and after my degree quickly realised I should have just stuck with Law! A firm in Newcastle paid for my ILEX training. I then decided to move back South to be nearer family and continued my studying down here.
What are 5 words a client would use to describe you?
Diligent, Friendly, Approachable, Positive/Go do attitude and Blonde ;) (joking)
What would say has been your career highlight to date?
Qualifying as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Legal Executives has definitely been a highlight. Making new friends – having work colleagues that I can now call good friends. Also, outside of work having to attend the Court of Appeal in relation to a personal Right to Manage case and acting for ourselves – we were successful.
What/who inspires you?
My grandparents. My grandfather (a builder) came to the UK during the Holocaust from Czechoslovakia. He met my grandmother (an architect) and together they built a house… they then went on to build a number of properties in and around Dorset and formed a building company. They had nothing, worked hard and were successful. Hard work pays off and I completely believe in this attitude.
What do you enjoy to do outside of work?
Outside of work I love spending time with my son and family. Most weekends are spent watching my son play football or taking him to parties! Other than this I love to travel to new places. Having now ticked off most of Europe, Australia and parts of America - next on my bucket list is Chile.
