Case Studies | A CILEx Regulation Journey

Here, Michael shares his career journey and explains why, for him, gaining practice rights was so important in advancing his career in costs law.

“My legal career began back in 1988 when, at the age of 17, I started work as an office junior at what was then called Dickinson Dees, but today is better known as Bond Dickinson. Not long afterwards I transferred to the costs department and I have worked in costs law ever since.

“I currently work for Glaisyers Solicitors, in Manchester, where I specialise in costs law and practice. I undertake a great deal of adversarial ‘between the parties’ costs litigation and advocacy at detailed assessments, as well as doing costs budgeting work and advocacy. I also undertake some related civil litigation work.

“As a qualified costs lawyer and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, I wanted to broaden my rights of audience before the Court. Although my existing qualifications gave me some rights of audience, I considered them to be quite narrow for my purposes. I found the potential to gain full open county court/chambers rights in the High Court very attractive and very much conducive to the work that I do.

“The practice rights application process, through CILEx Regulation, was rigourous, as it should be. Successful applicants assume a great responsibility and therefore must have the required experience to exercise their new practice rights. In addition to the eligibility application, I found the Advocacy Skills course a challenge, but extremely interesting and highly enjoyable.

“Throughout the application process, any help I needed from CILEx Regulation was obtained easily, either by phone or email. It was clear throughout the whole process that CILEx Regulation was keen to encourage and assist with my application.

“Since gaining my new practice rights I have carried out more case management advocacy work in civil litigation cases. The benefits these new practice rights bring are very important to me, both in practical and status terms. And not just to me, but my clients too, as they understand and also benefit from the additional offering that my wider rights now provide. As changes in civil litigation start to take shape, my new practice rights not only provide me with greater versatility but also an ability to best meet the challenges of the changing post-Jackson landscape.

“I would definitely recommend other members to apply for additional practice rights in their chosen specialist area of law, as they represent a major opportunity for CILEx members and the legal profession generally. Members should grasp that opportunity with both hands.”

Michael Fletcher, Costs Lawyer, Glaisyers Solicitors

Mr Michael Fletcher 
CILEx Litigator (civil) &
Chartered Legal Executive Advocate