I was unable to go on to further education when I left school due to family circumstances. I ran a business in the art industry for 15 years before deciding on a change of career into law and starting as a paralegal in the Criminal Motor Defence team of DAC Beachcroft.
I started as an Office Junior at a law firm when I left college at the age of 17 and then progressed to being a legal secretary in the Family Department in the same firm. Following maternity leave a few years later, I came to work at Coodes Solicitors as a PA for the Head of the Dispute Resolution Department before then deciding to undertake my studies with CILEx.
Graduate Member Charlotte Baughan has found studying with CILEx Law School such a positive experience that she is now looking to cross-qualify as a tutor and teach future generations of CILEx students.
James Spargo is a Graduate Member of CILEx. The Litigation Executive feels the knowledge and understanding gained through his CILEx studies have given him an increased level of responsibility and salary than had he done a law degree and the LPC
Leoni Gee is a Graduate Member of CILEx who is now working towards qualifying as a Chartered Legal Executive. She describes how studying with CILEx Law School suited her style of learning much better than going to university:
Vidhya Panchal is a Graduate Member of CILEx, having completed her CILEx Graduate Fast-track Diploma with CILEx Law School. She works as a Residential Conveyancer for a solicitors’ practice in the Midlands.
Kristina Steele discovered her passion for law while working as a legal Personal Assistant. The family law trainee Legal Executive and Graduate Member of CILEx (GCILEx) is now working towards qualifying as a Chartered Legal Executive.
When Ann Deavall left school she was told that she would make a good secretary. Thanks to studying with CILEx Law School she is instead a Fellow of CILEx and the first-ever person in her family to qualify as a lawyer.
Susan Lynch works in the Wills and Probate department of a solicitors’ practice and was recently admitted as a Fellow of CILEx.
Lucy McDonald is a Conveyancing Paralegal at Mark Swatts Morse LLP. She is currently working towards her CILEx Level 3 Certificate in Law and Practice and eventually aspires to become a Fellow of CILEx.
