Birkett Long LLP is delighted to announce the expansion of its Dispute Resolution team as Charlotte Burkert qualifies into the team as a solicitor.

Charlotte is no stranger to the firm having joined in July 2019. She chose a somewhat challenging path to qualification, initially studying part time for her Legal Practice Course with combined masters at the University of Law in London for two years whilst working full time at Birkett Long. Charlotte says: ‘It was really tough at times, but I was driven by the end goal and the support I had around me.’

Having joined the firm as a Team Assistant in Birkett Long’s Business Team and having progressed to the position of Paralegal in the Dispute Resolution Team, Birkett Long quickly recognised Charlotte’s potential and offered her a training contract. This allowed her to develop her skills and gain familiarity in areas such as dispute resolution/litigation, wills, trusts and probate and commercial and corporate finance. She describes the process of becoming a solicitor as ‘intense but rewarding’ but is keen to point out how much she loved her training contract and the opportunities it presented to her.

With a Law LLB from the University of Sunderland, Charlotte has worked in both law firms and barristers’ chambers. She has also served as a volunteer with the Citizens Advice Witness Service, offering court-based support for prosecution witnesses.

Her experience and extensive training will be an asset to the firm in the 17-member Dispute Resolution Team, which deals with a wide range of contentious work from contract disputes to property litigation.

Charlotte says: ‘I love the variety of work in this team. Regardless of the challenge, my number one aim is to find pragmatic and commercially sensible solutions. I always take a proactive approach and communicate with my clients as clearly as possible. I look forward to developing my skills, building client relationships and continuing the standard of excellence for which Birkett Long has become known.’

Charlotte is also an accomplished horse woman, having competed locally and enjoys attending national events. As well as her work in dispute resolution she has a keen interest in and knowledge of equine law.