Lorna Bailey

I have built my career at Fletchers, starting in the call centre before moving into a legal team and qualifying through CILEX. I then progressed into operational leadership, which gave me a broad understanding of the business, our people and the importance of developing strong, capable teams.

My career has now evolved into learning and development, where I lead work across legal qualifications, apprenticeships, training contracts, leadership development and wider colleague development. I have completed my teacher training which has helped my passion for L&D. My own route into law has shaped my passion for accessible career pathways and supporting others to progress, qualify and build confidence in their careers.

I do this work because I know first-hand how powerful accessible career pathways can be. I came into law through a non-traditional route, starting in the call centre before moving into a legal team, and I was lucky to have managers who recognised my potential and supported my development.

That experience drives my commitment to apprenticeships, legal qualifications and inclusive routes into the profession. I want others to have the same opportunity to build confidence, progress and succeed in law, regardless of their background or route in.

My approach is supportive, practical and people focused. I take time to listen, understand what someone wants to achieve and identify the barriers that may be holding them back. I aim to give clear guidance, encouragement and structure, while helping people build confidence and take ownership of their development. For me, the best working relationships are built on trust, honesty and a shared commitment to progress.

What makes our team special is the range of skills and experience we bring across learning, legal qualifications, apprenticeships, leadership development, professional skills and technology training. Everyone has a clear area of ownership, but we work closely together to make sure colleagues receive joined-up, practical support. Our strength is that we combine strong planning and structure with a genuine care for people’s development. We listen to feedback, work closely with managers and stakeholders, and continually improve our programmes so learning feels relevant, accessible and useful.

I have built my career at Fletchers, starting in the call centre before moving into a legal team and qualifying through CILEX. I then progressed into operational leadership before moving into learning and development, where I now lead work across legal qualifications, apprenticeships, training contracts, leadership development and wider colleague development. What I enjoy most about my role is the variety and the impact. No two days are the same, and the work is both strategic and personal. I might be looking at long-term qualification routes, social mobility, leadership capability or business-wide training needs, while also supporting individuals who are taking important steps in their own careers. Fletchers has given me the opportunity to grow, specialise and contribute to something I care deeply about: making careers in law more accessible. I value the culture of progression here, the people I work with and the chance to help others build confidence, develop their skills and see a future for themselves in the legal profession.

Outside of work, people are a big part of who I am. I love volunteering and supporting The Girls’ Network, which is something I find both important and rewarding. I also teach CILEX at The Law Academy. I am also a lifelong learner and am currently completing my CIPD Level 7 qualification. I really enjoy applying what I learn in practice and continuing to develop my knowledge. My most important and rewarding role is being a parent to my two gorgeous children, which keeps me very busy. When I do get spare time, I love to read, I am a member of two book clubs, and I also enjoy painting.