For Carys Bookless-Browne, a career in law wasn’t something she had always planned. After graduating with a degree in History, she explored different career opportunities where she could use the research and writing skills she had developed at university.
Her first role in the legal profession was as a Legal Administrator in a large corporate law firm. It was there that she discovered she enjoyed working in law – and what started as an opportunity to try something new soon became a long-term career ambition.
Nearly ten years later, Carys is still working in the legal profession and has progressed to become a CILEX Advanced Paralegal at Bright (South West) LLP, while continuing her journey towards becoming a Chartered Legal Executive.
Carys was already working as a paralegal when she decided to begin her CILEX studies at the age of 26.
In the Investment Property team, she gained valuable practical experience supporting fee earners with conveyancing for investment clients. She wanted to build on that experience and develop her legal knowledge, but the traditional route into the profession wasn’t right for her.
“I didn't come from a traditional legal background, having studied History at university,” Carys explains.
Rather than taking the GDL and LPC route, Carys wanted a qualification that would allow her to continue working while studying and gain practical experience alongside her learning.
“CILEX provided exactly that. It enabled me to build my legal knowledge step by step, apply what I was learning directly to my role, and progress my career at the same time.”
For Carys, the ability to combine work and study was one of the biggest attractions of the CILEX route.
One of the things Carys valued most about her CILEX studies was the flexibility they offered alongside her full-time career.
Through CILEX Law School, she had access to online learning materials and coursebooks, allowing her to fit her studies around work. The online examination format also meant she could sit her exams from home.
“I was surprised by how straightforward the study process was,” she says. “The flexibility to study when it suited me made a huge difference while working full-time.”
That flexibility was particularly important as Carys balanced her studies with a busy life outside work. Alongside her career and studies, she owns a horse and competes in showjumping. She also got married in July 2026.
Despite having a lot to juggle, Carys remained focused on her studies, including preparing for an exam in June – just three weeks before her wedding.
“Looking back, I think the key is staying motivated, being organised, and consistently putting the time and effort in to achieve your goals.”
Carys’ commitment has paid off.
One of the achievements she is most proud of is passing all 11 of her CPQ Foundation and Advanced examinations at the first attempt.
Balancing study alongside a full-time role and her personal commitments required determination and discipline, making the achievement particularly rewarding.
She has now progressed to the Professional stage of CPQ – the final step towards qualification – and is continuing to work towards her goal of becoming a Chartered Legal Executive.
Carys’ CILEX journey has given her more than formal qualifications. It has also helped her build confidence and progress in her career.
Over the years, she has moved from supporting fee earners to becoming a fee earner herself, managing her own clients and developing relationships with referrers.
Her studies have also helped broaden her legal knowledge beyond conveyancing, giving her a more rounded understanding of different areas of law.
“I feel this has made me a more confident and capable legal professional.”
She has been able to apply what she learns directly to her role, from reviewing title documents and dealing with enquiries to reporting to lenders and managing matters through to completion.
Achieving CILEX Advanced Paralegal status has also opened up new career opportunities and given Carys a clear route towards further professional qualification and progression.
For Carys, one of the biggest benefits of the CILEX route has been developing professionally without putting her career on hold.
Her studies have allowed her to gain knowledge while continuing to build practical experience in the workplace – and she has seen the impact of that learning in her day-to-day role.
She has also joined CILEX webinars, used CPD materials, guidance articles, and online support throughout her journey, helping her stay up to date with legal developments and broaden her understanding of the profession.
“Studying alongside a full-time role has also enhanced my analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.”
Carys believes her experience demonstrates why aspiring legal professionals should consider all the routes available to them.
“I would encourage them to explore the different routes available and not feel that there is only one way to build a successful legal career.”
For her, CILEX has provided the opportunity to gain practical experience, earn while learning and develop legal knowledge alongside a full-time role.
“Hard work, determination, and practical experience are just as important as following a traditional route.”
Her advice is simple: choose the pathway that works for your circumstances, learning style and career goals – and don’t be afraid to take a different route if it is right for you.
Carys is now continuing through the Professional stage of CILEX CPQ as she works towards qualifying as a Chartered Legal Executive.
Looking back, she says her CILEX journey has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her career so far.
It hasn’t always been easy. There have been long evenings of studying and moments of self-doubt, but each challenge has helped her grow both professionally and personally.
“If I could go back to the day I decided to start my CILEX journey, I would tell myself not to worry so much and to have confidence that all of the hard work will pay off.”
For Carys, the journey is still underway – but almost ten years after taking her first steps into the legal profession, she has already come a long way.
And as she works towards qualification, she is excited about what comes next.