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At 21, Codie Jenkins made a decision: she could wait for the “right time” to qualify as a lawyer — or she could start working towards it straight away.
Currently studying the CILEX CPQ Foundation stage while working as a Paralegal at SBMB Legal Ltd, Codie shares why she chose the CILEX route, how it has strengthened her confidence and knowledge, and why flexibility has been key to building a legal career on her terms.
Which CILEX qualification(s) did you study and what made you choose these? How old were you when you started your CILEX studies?
I am currently studying the CILEX CPQ Foundation stage, with the intention of continuing on through to CPQ Advanced and CPQ Professional.
I started my CILEX studies in 2023, when I was 21. I wasn’t aware of the CILEX route until I started my first job in a law firm in 2021. After becoming aware of CILEX and doing some research into it, I always knew it was the route I was going to take to qualification. I gained a couple of years’ experience and decided to take the plunge and sign myself up to begin my CILEX studies. I decided that the time is going to pass anyway and there was no reason to wait any longer – I could be 30 years old and (hopefully) qualified, or I could be 30 years old still waiting for the right time!
What skills and knowledge did you gain through your studies and involvement with CILEX?
The CPQ Foundation stage has provided me with – and continues to provide me with – the knowledge to understand the fundamentals of the law, which helps hugely working as a Paralegal. I am looking forward to moving onto the next stage and deepening my knowledge and understanding.
CILEX has provided me with the skills and knowledge to help guide clients through their legal problems with care and compassion.
How has the CILEX qualification helped you and your career?
CILEX CPQ has helped provide me with a deeper understanding of almost every area of my job – even in areas that I thought I understood well – which in turn means that I am able to provide clients with more detailed advice and help with any questions clients may have.
All work that I do is supervised by my manager and the further I get with my CILEX studies, I notice that my work needs amending less and less – and some bits I am able to do completely independently as a result of the knowledge I have learnt through CILEX. I look forward to growing my knowledge further over the coming years.
What does being a CILEX member mean to you?
I absolutely love the CILEX community, and I’m so happy and proud to be a part of it. I think there is no other community like it in the legal world.
The CILEX community is so welcoming and supportive – whether you’re a new member or a qualified member of many years, everyone is so supportive of each other and are so happy to help each other and cheer each other along.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you as a woman building a legal career?
The legal profession has historically been slow to open its doors to women. International Women’s Day is a chance to acknowledge the incredible women who fought for entry into the legal world – and to see ourselves as part of that story. Women in law aren’t just building a career for themselves; they’re also expanding the space for those who come after them.
Ambition in women is still too often scrutinised or softened. International Women’s Day reframes it as something to be proud of. It’s a reminder that wanting influence, leadership, and impact isn’t something to apologise for — it’s something to claim.
Have there been any women who have inspired or supported you in your legal journey?
My manager, Hayley Bundey, has been one of the most influential women in my legal journey. I began working as her Secretary in October 2021 when she was a Partner at a firm, and thanks to her support and belief in my potential, I began undertaking fee‑earning work for her just seven months later. I was promoted to Paralegal in August 2022.
Hayley now owns a legal services consultancy, and I’m fortunate to continue working under her leadership. She has supported my development from the very beginning, and I’m grateful to experience the profession alongside such a successful, supportive, and inspiring woman. If I become even half the lawyer she is, I know I’ll be an excellent one.
What advice would you give to other young women considering a career in law?
Don’t be afraid to take the leap — apply for the job, ask the questions, and reach out to people in the legal industry. Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone and back yourself.
If anyone would like an informal chat about the legal industry, my inbox is always open.
What would you say to someone who is currently considering CILEX as a route to a legal career?
In my opinion, CILEX is the best way to begin / further your legal career. CILEX is more affordable than other routes and offers various different payment plans to help spread the cost – also making it more accessible. The team at CILEX are easy to reach out to if you need any help with anything.
Studying alongside working isn’t easy and requires hard work and determination, but there is no time limit with the CILEX route. You can take 5 years to qualify or you can take 15 years to qualify – the CILEX route is incredibly flexible.
For personal reasons, I never went to sixth form and never achieved A Levels (or equivalent), I therefore never went to university. In hindsight, I’m glad that things worked out the way they did as I never would have found the CILEX route. It allows me to gain real life experience working in law alongside working towards qualifications.
I cannot recommend the CILEX route enough.
Any other comments you’d like to share about your experience relating to the CILEX qualification?
I love the CILEX route and I’m so pleased to have found a way into the legal world that suits my needs!