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At 27, Bih had already experienced significant setbacks in her journey towards a career in law. Having studied law at the undergraduate level, she had originally hoped to qualify by the age of 25. But after a series of unsuccessful applications and challenges in her personal life, she began to question whether a career in law was still possible for her.
Today, she is once again working towards that goal, studying for the Chartered Legal Executive Litigator and Advocate Level 7 course through the CILEX apprenticeship programme at Fletchers Solicitors.
And as she puts it, the opportunity came at just the right time.
“I believe God’s timing is the best, and everything happens for a reason. Just when I was about to give up, I was offered the opportunity to undertake the CILEX apprenticeship programme through my firm, Fletchers Solicitors.”
Since starting the programme in September 2025, she has developed her legal knowledge, strengthened her professional skills and, perhaps most importantly, regained confidence in her ability to achieve her ambitions.
Building knowledge and confidence
The Level 7 course has broadened her understanding of the wider legal system and introduced her to areas of law beyond her current work in clinical negligence, including private client law, legal accounting and criminal law.
The course has helped her develop professionally too. Written and verbal exercises, combined with regular feedback and guidance, have strengthened her communication skills and encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone.
“The encouragement I have received to push myself outside my comfort zone and embrace challenging opportunities has helped me grow in confidence both inside and outside of work,” she says.
Support every step of the way
For Bih, one of the most valuable aspects of her CILEX journey has been the support available throughout the programme.
After discussing her goals and some of the challenges she was experiencing with her tutor, appropriate adjustments were put in place to help her get the most from her studies.
She describes the experience as one where she has felt genuinely supported and encouraged to keep moving forward.
“Being part of CILEX means being part of a supportive community that genuinely encourages my growth and is invested in helping me achieve my goals.”
The structure of the programme has also helped her stay focused. She particularly values having exams scheduled after each course has been taught, allowing her to concentrate on one area at a time, alongside regular check-ins with her personal tutor.
A different route to a legal career
For anyone considering CILEX as a route into the legal profession, Bih is clear in her recommendation.
“I would definitely recommend the programme to anyone considering it as a route into the legal profession. It is a supportive and accommodating programme.”
For her, the programme offers more than technical legal training. Alongside developing her knowledge across core areas of law, it provides opportunities to build the communication and other soft skills that are essential for a successful legal career, with ongoing support throughout the journey.
And while she is still working towards qualification, she can already see how far she’s come.
“Even though I’ve just finished the first year, and I've still got a lot to learn, as the months pass, I am feeling more confident, knowledgeable and equipped. I’m looking forward to and excited to continuing to grow my knowledge and skills.”
Her journey is a reminder that there is no single timeline for a career in law. Setbacks do not have to mean giving up on your ambitions and, with the right opportunities and support, it is always possible to find a route forward.
For Bih, that route is taking her closer to her long-held ambitions of becoming a CILEX Lawyer.