For Lizza Frary, becoming a Chartered Paralegal is more than a professional milestone – it's the fulfilment of a dream that began many years ago.
From an early age, Lizza knew she wanted a career in law. Inspired by legal dramas and fascinated by the profession, she dreamed of becoming a lawyer. But like many aspiring legal professionals, university wasn't a realistic option at the time.
Instead, she found another way.
After leaving school, Lizza began her career as a hotel receptionist before deciding to invest in herself by studying for a Legal Secretarial qualification. That decision opened the door to her first legal secretary role in 2002.
While working in practice, she discovered CILEX and realised there were alternative routes into the legal profession that would allow her to build a career through work and study.
"I discovered there were alternative routes into the legal profession, and in 2007 I began my CILEX journey."
Like many careers, however, the path wasn't straightforward. While preparing for her exams, Lizza sadly lost her father and found it difficult to continue studying.
In 2009, Lizza moved into a paralegal role specialising in family law and civil disputes before taking time out to raise her family. After returning from maternity leave, she transitioned into commercial property, where she remained for several years.
In 2015, she completed a Specialist Commercial Property Paralegal course, reigniting her passion for learning and reminding her how much she wanted to continue progressing her legal career.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Lizza returned to family law – the area she says has always been where her heart lies. Supported by colleagues who believed in her potential and encouraged her development, she felt ready to take the next step.
"Throughout my career, I have learned that the journey is rarely straightforward, but determination, resilience and the support of the right people can make all the difference."
For Lizza, the Chartered Paralegal pathway was a natural progression.
With more than two decades of practical legal experience, achieving Chartered status provides formal recognition of the skills, knowledge and commitment she has built throughout her career.
"It provides a clear progression route while recognising the knowledge and practical experience I have built over more than two decades working in law."
She also sees it as an opportunity to continue developing professionally while demonstrating her commitment to delivering the highest standard of service to clients.
Lizza has ambitious plans for the future. Her goal is to continue progressing by completing either the CILEX Specialist Practitioner qualification or the CPQ Professional Stage, ultimately qualifying as a Chartered Legal Executive.
She believes Chartered Paralegal status provides a strong foundation for that next step, strengthening her professional credibility while enabling her to take on greater responsibility within her role.
Having completed the Experience Assessment stage of the application process, Lizza describes the process as supportive, approachable and well organised.
Now, she is looking forward to officially using the title Chartered Paralegal.
"Achieving Chartered Paralegal status will be a milestone that reflects not only my legal knowledge and experience but also the determination to never give up on a lifelong ambition."
Lizza's story is a reminder that there is no single route into law. With resilience, dedication and a commitment to continuous learning, it's possible to build a rewarding legal career and continue progressing at every stage.