Thursday, 04 December 2008

Deputy headteacher swaps classroom for a courtroom

A deputy headteacher is top of the class after a major career change. Sarah ‘Litini’ Newcombe, of Kirkby Stephen, picked up an award from Northumbrian Water for her outstanding work when she graduated from Northumbria University’s law school with a Legal Practice Course (LPC) qualification.

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Outstanding student: Litini Newcombe with David Askew of Northumbrian Water

The 41-year-old, formerly a teacher at Kirkbie Kendal School, left the profession four years ago to pursue a legal career.

Litini said: “I had always fancied law so I signed up for a Common Professional Examination (CPE) at Northumbria. That lasted two years and then I went on to the two-year LPC.

“I have been working at Hewitson & Harker and Heelis Solicitors in the Eden Valley for nearly two years. It has been quite difficult to balance work and study, but I got used to the idea of coming home and getting my books open.

“Working in a firm has been great because I’m learning while I’m at work as well as on the course. Peter Birtles, the senior partner, has been very supportive.”

Legal Practice course programme leader Jill Alexander said: “Litini is an outstanding student.”

Litini was awarded a £150 cheque and a silver salver for achieving the top mark in her property law and practice course.

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