Rachel Ashby - CILEx route to becoming a lawyer

Ijoined a law firm as an office junior when I was 17 years old and moved on from there to a position within the firm as a receptionist. This role was not challenging enough and so I attended evening college and gained legal secretary qualification and found that I really enjoyed learning about property litigation.

I was told about the CILEx route to qualifying as a Chartered Legal Executive lawyerwhen I was told my boss that I would be interested in finding out more about the procedures and documents that I type often. I started studying with CILEx Law School aged thirty. I have two young children and therefore attending college was not really an option so to be able to learn at my own pace and still work is a bonus.

My qualifications will be recognised by my employer and they are very supportive in my doing the course. So far it has been great - supportive but not overbearing. I have found the timetables and forum particularly helpful.

For myself, going to college and university was not an option when I was younger due to various reasons but having the opportunity to increase my skills and qualifications with the CILEx route is brilliant.