From sixth form to property paralegal: Rory’s CILEX journey

For Rory Wallis, a career in law began straight out of sixth form. At just 18, with only three weeks’ work experience in a law firm, Rory was offered the opportunity to start a CILEX apprenticeship with North Star Law.

Today, Rory works as a Paralegal Conveyancer in the firm’s property department and is continuing his CILEX studies, with ambitions to qualify as a CILEX Lawyer/Chartered Legal Executive and potentially cross-qualify to become a solicitor one day.

Discovering a career in law

Before starting his CILEX journey, Rory studied A Levels in History, Politics and English Literature. He had always been interested in history and politics, but a conversation with a family friend who was a solicitor sparked his interest in a career in law.

Following just three weeks of work experience in a law firm, Rory was offered the chance to enrol on the CILEX Conveyancing and Property Law Paralegal Apprenticeship.

“I was 18 years old when I started, fresh out of 6th form with only 3 weeks' experience in a law firm.”

For Rory, the opportunity offered a way to gain practical experience while working towards a recognised legal qualification.

Learning while working

Rory is now studying the CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ). Having achieved 87% in his Legal Research exam, he is currently studying for his Criminal Law exam alongside his role at North Star Law.

One of his first impressions of CILEX was how accessible the learning experience was.

“I was impressed with how easy the remote learning side of things was and the variety of revision and learning tasks that were available.”

However, combining work and study has required commitment. Rory studies outside office hours, fitting his learning around a busy working day and a long commute.

“It is tough as my studies are out of office hours, meaning I study mornings, evenings and weekends.”

Despite the demands, Rory makes sure he still has time for family, friends and his girlfriend at the weekend.

Turning learning into practical experience

For Rory, one of the biggest benefits of studying through CILEX has been applying what he learns directly to his role.

His studies in land law and conveyancing have helped him develop his knowledge and take on greater responsibility within the property department.

“It has helped me take on more responsibilities and given me a greater understanding of what I am doing in my day-to-day.”

His CILEX studies have also helped him understand not just what he is doing, but why.

“I learnt the reason why I do certain things and the reason for doing them and how to put my knowledge into practice.”

Alongside his technical knowledge, Rory says his journey has helped him develop his time-management skills and confidence in himself.

“I have learnt how to manage my time and believe in myself more.”

A distinction that proved he could do it

One of the moments Rory is most proud of so far is completing his apprenticeship with a distinction.

“Passing my apprenticeship with a distinction really gave me the push and realisation that I can do this and to keep going.”

That achievement has given Rory the confidence to continue progressing through his legal studies and work towards his longer-term ambitions.

His goal is to qualify as a CILEX Lawyer/Chartered Legal Executive, with the possibility of becoming a solicitor one day.

Finding a route into law

Rory believes his experience demonstrates that there isn't just one way to build a career in law.

“Being part of an ever-growing community gives me pride and the knowledge that the traditional route is not for everyone, but you can still thrive.”

For anyone considering a legal career but unsure whether the traditional route is right for them, Rory has a simple message:

“Do it; it's the best decision I have ever made. Learning and working at the same time is the best way to excel and become who you want to be.”

And if he could go back to the beginning of his own journey, his advice to himself would be just as straightforward:

“Good luck, it's going to be tough, don’t doubt yourself and have fun.”

Rory’s journey is still underway, but from starting his legal career at 18 to achieving a distinction, developing his expertise in conveyancing and continuing his CILEX studies, he is already demonstrating what can be achieved through an alternative route into law.