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An unsuccessful attempt at SQE1 left Erem questioning his future in law, discovering CILEX gave him a new sense of direction – and a flexible route towards his ambition of becoming a qualified CILEX Lawyer.
For Erem, a career in law had always been the goal.
After completing his LLB Law degree at The University of Law, he went straight into preparing for the SQE, believing this was the route he needed to take to qualify as a lawyer.
Despite an intense period of preparation and study, he was unsuccessful in SQE1.
“It was incredibly disheartening and, for a time, made me question whether becoming a lawyer was still the right path for me.”
Rather than giving up on his ambition, he took some time away from studying and began exploring his options.
That was when he discovered CILEX.
Discovering a different route
At 23, just before his 24th birthday, Erem began studying the CILEX Graduate Qualification, specialising in Family Law and Practice.
Having already invested significant time and effort into his law degree, one of the things that immediately appealed to him was that the Graduate Qualification recognises the knowledge he had already gained and provided a fast-track route towards qualification as a CILEX Lawyer.
It also offered something else that was important to him: flexibility.
Unlike a route that required him to put his career on hold, the CILEX Graduate Qualification allowed him to study independently and at his own pace alongside working full-time.
“For me, discovering CILEX has reignited my ambition to become a lawyer and has given me a renewed sense of direction and motivation as I continue working towards my goal.”
Rather than seeing his experience with SQE1 as the end of his journey, he has been able to turn it into an opportunity to find a route that better suited his circumstances and aspirations.
Learning to be a legal professional
For Erem, studying with CILEX has provided much more than an opportunity to develop his legal knowledge.
His studies have encouraged him to think about what it really means to work as a legal professional – from understanding clients’ needs to developing commercial awareness and working effectively with organisations and other stakeholders.
The Continuing Professional Development element of the qualification has been particularly valuable, helping him develop skills in areas including client care, ethics, professional conduct, communication and professionalism.
“One of the biggest things I have gained from my studies is an appreciation that being a good lawyer is not just about having strong legal knowledge.”
For him, being a successful legal professional also means being able to communicate effectively, exercise good judgement, understand what matters to clients and conduct yourself professionally.
These are skills he is continuing to develop alongside his legal studies and that he hopes will form the foundation of his future career.
Studying while building a career
One of the biggest benefits of the CILEX route for Erem has been the ability to combine professional experience with his studies.
Working full-time while studying has allowed him to continue developing his career while progressing towards qualification – rather than having to choose between the two.
“The flexibility of the qualification has allowed me to gain practical work experience while continuing my legal studies, giving me the opportunity to develop both academically and professionally at the same time.”
That balance has also helped him develop skills he can apply directly in the workplace, creating a strong connection between what he learns through CILEX and his professional development.
More than a qualification
Being a CILEX member has also given Erem a sense of belonging to a wider professional community.
“To me, being a CILEX member means joining a community of individuals who are both academically and professionally trained to join the legal field.”
He sees membership as representing resilience, drive and determination, as well as providing an accessible and recognised route into the legal profession.
Alongside his studies, he has also made use of some of the wider benefits available to CILEX members.
Through myCareer, he has used the CV and Cover Letter Checker to strengthen his applications and make sure he is effectively showcasing his skills and experience when applying for legal roles.
He has also taken advantage of myRewards, accessing discounts across areas including shopping, dining, entertainment and leisure.
For Erem, these benefits add practical value to the professional development and community that come with CILEX membership.
Finding the route that works for you
Having experienced first-hand what it feels like when a qualification route does not go to plan, Erem believes it is important that aspiring legal professionals know there is not just one way to build a career in law.
His advice is not to be afraid of taking a different path.
“Don’t be afraid to deviate from ‘traditional’ routes to qualifying, especially if they are not aligned with your way of progressing. Take the leap of faith.”
For him, choosing CILEX has demonstrated that an alternative route does not mean compromising on ambition.
Instead, it has given him the flexibility to continue working, gain valuable professional experience and develop academically while progressing towards qualification.
“This is not a lesser alternative to other routes in the legal profession. There is a community waiting on the other end to embrace you with open arms.”
A new direction, the same ambition
Today, Erem is continuing his CILEX Graduate Qualification, specialising in Family Law and Practice, with his sights firmly set on becoming a qualified CILEX Lawyer and building a long-term career in the legal profession.
His journey demonstrates that a setback does not have to mean the end of an ambition.
Sometimes, it can be the point at which you discover a route that works better for you.
For Erem, discovering CILEX has provided exactly that: a flexible, professionally focused pathway that allows him to continue learning, working and progressing towards the career he has always wanted.
“If you are passionate about pursuing a legal career but are looking for a route that can work alongside your existing commitments, CILEX is certainly worth considering. My own experience has shown me that there is not just one path into the legal profession, and finding the route that works best for you can make all the difference.”