In her own words: Gemma Spratt

In the latest in our series of interviews with CILEX members, we spoke to DWF’s Gemma Spratt, who specialises in defendant professional negligence and admits to being a “bit of a bulldog” when it comes to litigation

I left school at 16 to pursue a graphic design course but soon realised it wasn't the right fit for me. I then took a Christmas temp job at Woolworths, beginning my retail career. I soon progressed to a management trainee and then a night shift manager at Sainsbury's. It was during this time that my interest in law sparked, as I dealt with issues like liquor licenses, HR, food safety, and health and safety.

I decided to return to college, balancing daytime classes with night work, eventually completing my Level 3 qualification with CILEX.

After finishing my studies, I struggled to find a legal job due to lack of experience. While it was disheartening, my retail career continued to flourish. I went on to work as a customer service manager at Tesco, but the demanding hours made it tough to juggle work with being a single parent of two. Seeking flexibility, I trained to become a teaching assistant.

Around seven years ago, I went back to college to study for a Level 6 qualification in the evenings. It was a challenging transition, especially because of the 14-year gap in between completing Level 3 and starting Level 6.

I took three years to complete Level 6. Unlike my fellow students, who seemed to have organised study plans, I approached it a bit more spontaneously, but luckily the course's structure helped me navigate week by week. I was so proud to be back studying and it served as a strong reminder never to give up on your dreams.

I also made some lifelong friends on the course who now all work in the profession; we still have a WhatsApp group called ‘College’. I don’t suppose we’ll ever get around to changing it!

After completing Level 6, I worked for a well-known legal brand, but the environment felt too impersonal, with high case volumes and little client care. The tipping point was being told I was "too nice" to clients. So, I focused on showcasing my transferable skills during interviews, emphasising that if I could handle 100 angry customers at Tesco during Christmas, I was up to most challenges.

I found it incredibly frustrating when some interviewers asked about my plans to qualify as a solicitor, but I proudly chose the path of a legal executive and I told them so. Being asked questions like that also quickly helped me make up my mind about who I wanted to work for.

I was delighted to join RPC in February 2019 and spent three years in its claims handling arm, where I gained invaluable experience managing claims against policyholders. However, the role wasn’t client facing and, in order to complete my portfolio and graduate, I needed that all-important client-facing experience.

So, in June 2022, I moved to DWF where I am based in the Bristol office, although I largely work from home, and specialise in defendant professional negligence work with a focus on claims against solicitors as well as advising insurers regarding policy coverage.

“I found it incredibly frustrating when some interviewers asked about my plans to qualify as a solicitor, but I proudly chose the path of a legal executive and I told them so” 

It has been such a positive move for me. I work in a team of 40 dotted across the country and report into a very supportive partner who is encouraging me to achieve associate status as my next move in the firm.

My official job title is currently ‘Chartered Legal Executive in Professional Liability Global Risks’. I handle 70% defendant litigation and pre-action work, and 30% insurance coverage, investigations, and reviews.

I love litigation—there’s nothing better than diving into a complex case and uncovering overlooked details. I’ve learnt that it's crucial not to take things at face value, especially in emotionally charged situations with claimants and professionals who may feel defensive. Keeping a cool head and maintaining objectivity, particularly with litigants in person is essential.

I’m determined and thorough—I dig deep to uncover any overlooked details. I guess you could call me a bit of a bulldog when it comes to litigation! I always take a step back and request all relevant documents. This meticulous approach consistently yields great results.

I finally graduated in October 2023 and am now a CILEX Fellow. I take great pride in my CILEX designation. Without CILEX, I wouldn't be where I am today. It has allowed me to specialise in an area of law that I love. I believe it's crucial for aspiring lawyers to recognise early on that CILEX can be an ideal path if they know what field they want to pursue.

I find it frustrating when people insist that the only valid route to a legal career is through becoming a solicitor. It is simply not true. We may take different paths, but every route has its place.

I have also recently experienced another career high thanks to CILEX. I was fortunate enough to be invited by CILEX President Yanthé Richardson to the Opening of the Legal Year, marked by a centuries-old ceremony in Westminster Abbey.

What an experience that was! Everyone attending was wearing ceremonial dress and I was standing shoulder to shoulder with High Court judges. I appreciated the honesty and transparency in those conversations, as even senior judges admitted to not recognising all the ceremonial dress. One even said to me: “You could have told me you were a judge from the European Court of Human Rights and I’d have been none the wiser!”

I loved that honesty. If no one ever says ‘I don’t know’, how does anyone ever learn? No one knows everything and I think the legal profession would be improved beyond measure if there was more openness from the top. I'll always cherish that experience. Thank you, CILEX!