She started with a BTEC in Leisure and Tourism, drawn to it because it sounded fun, and she enjoyed travelling. That led to studying Tourism Management at Sheffield Hallam and later Plymouth University. But as life would have it, she never actually worked in the industry.
After graduating a friend mentioned a Territory Manager role at Kellogg’s, and it looked like a great opportunity, so Emma took the leap. It didn’t take long for her to realise that sales wasn’t her strength. But that didn’t stop her. She adapted, took a temp job at Reuters doing data entry, and soon discovered that her touch-typing skills set her apart. Her supervisors noticed her talent, and she landed a permanent role as a Market Analyst.
For a time, Emma considered re-qualifying in Stocks and Shares Management. But then redundancy struck in her twenties, forcing her to ask herself: “What do I actually want to do?”
That moment of reflection led her to look back at university, where she had studied modules in law, business, and psychology. Law had intrigued her. She applied for a legal secretary role, and while she had the skills, her first experience in law wasn’t the right fit. A second role at another firm felt the same—until she started working alongside a Family Lawyer and a Civil Litigation Barrister. Suddenly, something clicked. This was where she belonged.
Determined to progress, Emma explored her options. Initially she was offered financial assistance to re-qualify as a solicitor but then her Barrister fee-earner introduced her to CILEX (then ILEX) and her firm offered to fund the cost of the qualification. She embraced the opportunity, and her studies began. She was fortunate to gain a wide range of legal experience early on, and when the Civil Litigation Barrister she worked with moved firms, they took Emma with them as a trainee lawyer specialising in Claimant personal injury.
Emma was now thriving in the profession and had found a real passion and love for it, it was at this time she realised she didn’t need to cross-qualify as a solicitor. She was building her own path.
In 2007, Emma connected with CILEX HQ and met Lynne Squires. By 2009, together with other eager CILEX members they had set up the Devon Branch, which flourished. Through this, Emma gained deeper insights into CILEX and its members.
As her studies progressed, so did her career. After spotting an interesting opportunity she made the decision to leave private practice and transition into an in-house role with a nursing union, defending nurses before their regulator. A huge shift—but one she embraced.
In 2013, she joined the CILEX Council, right as she welcomed her first child. Balancing a demanding job, a young child, local branch responsibilities, and Council commitments became overwhelming. In 2016, she made another tough decision: stepping down from Council. She describes it as “the right opportunity, wrong time.” But she remained dedicated to the Devon Branch.
In 2017, she had her second child. By 2019, she returned to work. But then, at 40, her world changed. She was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer.
Life paused. Work took a backseat. Everything was about survival. But in the midst of uncertainty, Emma found purpose. She had always wanted to write a book, and during treatment, she did. She journaled her thoughts and experiences and self-published ‘Take my Hair (but not my humour)’, turning pain into something tangible to help others going through a similar experience.
This time away from the profession and the impact of her treatment affected Emma’s confidence which took a hit. Returning to work felt daunting. She sought coaching, her confidence grew, and she appeared on several podcasts to share her story.
In 2020, she was approached about joining the newly constituted CILEX Professional Board. After discussions, she accepted and became a co-opted board member in October 2020. The spark was back. Being involved at a higher level, giving back—this drove her forward. By 2022, she was Vice President. By 2023, President. And what a whirlwind year that was. Attending the swearing in of the Lord Chancellor, representing CILEX at the Judicial Diversity Forum and updating the most senior members of the legal profession about the Judicial Academy, chairing Professional Board meetings but most importantly meeting as many members as possible at Roadshows. She maintained an active presence on LinkedIn, keeping members updated but importantly advocating for the CILEX route to qualification. Also, a Trustee of The CILEX Foundation she continues to raise awareness of the charities important work.
As her presidency ended in 2024, Emma reflected. What now? She had reached her mid-40s, and if she was going to make a change, it had to be now. The idea terrified her. But growth requires risk.
After months of contemplation, she took the leap. After 13 years, she left her in-house role and returned to private practice with Everys Solicitors LLP. A completely new environment—new systems, time recording, billing, business development, and new areas of law. She even went back to studying, taking the CILEX Employment Law module. Writing essays, sitting exams—it all felt like starting over but she was growing again.
Eight months in, Emma still feels the fear. But she also feels the reward. Every challenge proves what she’s capable of.
Her journey is proof that it’s never too late to change direction, to take risks, to grow. It’s proof that even the scariest decisions can lead to the most fulfilling paths.
To anyone wondering if they should take the leap: you absolutely can, and you should if you want to keep growing.