A spark ignited early
Kim Findlow's journey into the legal profession began with a desire to make a real difference. Growing up in a small mining town in Cornwall,
where professional careers often felt out of reach and crime was a visible part of the community, Kim wanted to be someone who influenced change. Initially drawn to policing, she reconsidered whilst considering her options for GSCE at school. That pivotal decision planted the seed for a different path – law.
“At a school careers fair in Year 9, I took a multiple-choice questionnaire, and it suggested I become a CILEX Lawyer. From that point on, I never looked back.”
The CILEX Route: A realistic pathway
University wasn’t an affordable option for Kim nor did it seem to her to be an option that would be within her reach, but the CILEX route offered an accessible pathway into law. Kim set about learning everything she could about CILEX, the qualifications available and what she would need to be a lawyer. This research then drove the decisions she made in terms of what subjects she would go on to study at school. Once she’d finished school, Kim enrolled on a CILEX Legal Secretary course at her local college, this laid the foundation she needed and opened doors for employment.
“That course gave me the understanding and confidence I needed to start working in law. It reinforced to me that I was going to be a lawyer. I told people this proudly, though not everyone believed it was possible.”
Kim went on to start the CILEX Level 3 qualification once she’d completed the secretary course, and her plan worked - she secured a job as a Float Secretary at a local law firm. It was a learning experience that exposed her to a wide range of legal areas and working styles.
Building skills and seizing opportunities
Keen to impress, Kim read everything she could and asked plenty of questions, gradually building up her knowledge and experience and in doing so developed great relationships with colleagues across the business, becoming a valued and well-respected member of the team.
This helped Kim progress her studies further, because when she approached the business to see if they would sponsor her to do the CILEX Level 6 qualification they agreed to.
Eager to grow, Kim made a bold move to a larger commercial law firm in Devon, working as a Regulatory Secretary. She gained exposure to complex cases whilst afforded the title of paralegal, especially in health and safety prosecutions, which sharpened her understanding of legal procedures and professional conduct. Again, her positive and dedicated attitude shone through, and Kim quickly gained the respect and trust of colleagues in the firm.
“I was often watching lawyers work, taking on extra tasks and asking plenty of questions. This all worked in my favour as the firm offered to sponsor my continued studies at level 6 and the exams.”
Overcoming life’s obstacles
Life threw Kim some difficult challenges. Severe health issues of her own forced her to pause her studies, and shortly before her final exams, her mum was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Tragically, Kim’s mum was given just weeks to live in the week that Kim sat her final exams in Employment Law and Civil Litigation. Despite failing the Civil Litigation exam, Kim bounced back with the support of a CILEX’s revision day in London and her own resilience and determination to achieve her goal.
“I got my final exam results while I was in hospital holding my newborn son. My husband opened the envelope and told me I’d passed. It was an unforgettable moment.”
Reaching lawyer status
Driven to qualify by the age of 25, Kim continued to work strategically, often accepting roles that others would have viewed as sideways or backward steps. But each move helped her build experience and gain trust within her firms.
When she realised she wanted to specialise in employment law, she moved to Manchester taking a role as an Employment Legal Secretary, again falling back on the grounding that CILEX gave her and the experience she had built over the years. The firm supported her legal development, offering the qualifying experience she needed for her CILEX portfolio, finally giving her the chance to apply for CILEX Fellow status.
“When I received confirmation that I’d been accepted as a Fellow, I had just returned home from hospital after giving birth to my second son. My CILEX milestones have become intertwined with my life’s most important moments.”
Finding the right firm
Kim moved between a couple of firms seeking the right fit and opportunities for growth. The first firm truly valued the CILEX route – thanks to a Partner who had previously been trained by a CILEX Chartered Legal Executive. That partner gave Kim a fully qualified CILEX Chartered Legal Executive role and Kim set to work.
Today, Kim is a Senior Associate at Eversheds Sutherland, specialising in employment and discrimination law.
“It was a Partner who’d trained under a CILEX Chartered legal Executive that gave me the chance I needed. That experience made a lasting impression on them – and now I’m able to pay that forward.”
A leader and advocate
Kim has never forgotten where she came from. As a member of the CILEX Professional Board and within her roles, she’s always championed the CILEX route and is committed to giving back – supporting aspiring lawyers, engaging in pro-bono work, promoting access to the profession and leading CSR initiatives.
Later this year, Kim will step into the role of CILEX Vice President – an honour she calls “an absolute privilege. I never thought someone like me could be Vice President. CILEX got me to where I am today and now, I get to use my time to give back to the profession that gave me so much.”
Her vision for her Vice Presidency
As Vice President, Kim wants to connect directly with CILEX members – to share her story, but more importantly listen to theirs and learn from them. Kim wants to encourage all members to bring their authenticity to their own journey.
“Students routes have evolved, and the legal sector is changing rapidly. We need to keep learning from our members to support them properly.”
She also emphasises the importance of educating businesses about the strength of CILEX qualified professionals.
“Confidence is everything. Employers need to be confident in recruiting CILEX paralegals and lawyers and students need confidence in their choice."
A legacy of inspiration
Reflecting on her journey, Kim recalls a proud moment: walking across the stage at her CILEX graduation ceremony, watched by her late father, her husband and her sons. “It showed my children that anything is possible. You just need the right mix of dedication, support and belief.”
And her message for anyone considering a career via CILEX?
“Grab it with both hands and be authentically you. You might feel like a square peg in a round hole, but the right place will see your value. If my story helps and I can inspire even one person to believe in themselves, I’ve succeeded.”