Cat’s path to becoming a successful legal professional was anything but straightforward. It was marked by setbacks, self-doubt, and immense perseverance. But if her story proves anything, it’s that failure is never final, and determination can take you further than you ever imagined.
A Rocky Start
Cat had high hopes for her A-levels. She needed a B and two Cs to secure a place at her chosen university. But when results day arrived, her grades fell short of what she needed. The disappointment was devastating. While her friends packed their bags for university, she found herself left behind, forced to reassess her future.
Refusing to accept defeat, Cat resat her exams while also exploring her interest in journalism. But after completing her resits, the desire to go to university had faded. Instead, she chose to enter the workforce, unaware that this decision would set her on an entirely different path.
Finding a Footing in Law
For seven years, Cat worked as a media monitor—until redundancy struck, just one month before her wedding. Suddenly without a job, she scrambled to apply for office junior roles, securing two offers: one with a magazine and another at a law firm. Without knowing it at the time, choosing the law firm would change the course of her life.
In 2009, Cat and her husband Steven welcomed their daughter Holly, into the world. But financial pressures meant that she had to return to work following her maternity leave. There was no option to work part time, and the time away from Holly weighed heavily on her, making her determined to ensure her sacrifice had meaning. That’s when she decided to enrol in CILEX Law School via distance learning in late 2010.
Balancing Work, Family, and Studies
Studying while working full-time and raising a young child was a relentless challenge. Her husband worked long hours, and every evening was spent with her nose in textbooks, every spare moment dedicated to coursework. There were times she wanted to quit, but she refused to let the opportunity slip away.
After completing her exams, Cat had to gain a year of qualifying employment and compile a detailed portfolio of evidence proving her competence. It was an arduous process, but with the support of her husband and daughter, she persevered, achieving full qualification as a Chartered Legal Executive in June 2015—when her daughter was just six years old.
Climbing the Ladder
With her qualification in hand, Cat continued to push forward. Two years later, she joined Roythornes Solicitors as a Debt Recovery Manager. Her hard work didn’t go unnoticed—by July 2021, she was promoted to Associate.
Yet, Cat wasn’t done proving herself. Despite being a Chartered Legal Executive for eight years, she saw an opportunity to take her career even further. She pursued her litigation practice rights, allowing her to practise independently without supervision. The process was challenging, but she was determined to achieve this next milestone.
In 2023, on her daughter’s 14th birthday, Cat officially obtained her practice rights. It was a moment of pride and validation, symbolising everything she had worked so hard to achieve.
Breaking Perceptions
Even as a qualified legal professional, Cat often faced misconceptions about her role. Many assumed she is a solicitor, but she proudly corrects them: she is a CILEX Lawyer, qualified to the same high standard in her chosen field of civil litigation. Her success is proof that there is more than one route to becoming a qualified lawyer.
In July 2024, Cat was promoted again—this time to Senior Associate—continuing to lead the Debt Recovery team and working within the Commercial Litigation team at Roythornes.
Lessons from Cat’s Journey
Cat’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of never giving up. Her journey wasn’t conventional, nor was it easy, but with the support of family, friends and colleagues she forged her own path to success. She serves as a powerful reminder that setbacks don’t define us—our response to them does.
To anyone facing obstacles, Cat’s message is clear: keep going. It’s never too late to turn things around and achieve your dreams.