Maria was one of the first cohort to receive the new status of CILEX Chartered Paralegal (PCILEX) and she has shared her story with us.
But let me say this clearly: I’m not sharing my story because I believe my journey is more special than anyone else's. I know many brilliant professionals who’ve walked powerful, complex paths. What is special here is what the Chartered badge represents — a shift in how our professions evolve, adapt, and are recognised. This article is about that shift.
A Non-Linear Path
My career didn’t begin in law. I studied Business and Marketing at university. At the time, neither Paralegal work nor Turnaround were structured as defined professional disciplines.
Everything changed during the financial crisis of 2008. What began as helping small businesses with business plans quickly turned into supporting enterprises in distress — and navigating the litigation and insolvency that came with it.
In that chapter, I stepped into many roles: Interim Manager, Director, Company secretary, advisor.
I was helping business owners — many of them litigants in person — steady their operations while handling court proceedings. I found myself writing reports, preparing chronologies and bundles, researching case law, and shaping legal arguments, often while developing strategic plans for businesses trying to survive.
At some point, a judge called me “the company doctor” — and the name stuck, and perhaps marked the beginning of what would become a dual path in paralegal work and turnaround.
Mentorship and Momentum
As cases progressed from County Court to the High Court and even the Court of Appeal, I was fortunate to work alongside Professor Mark Watson-Gandy OBE, who became a legal mentor and guide.
He introduced me to the Public Access Rule and encouraged me to seek formal recognition through professional bodies such as the Institute of Paralegals, The IFT Institute for Turnaround, and the Turnaround Management Association (TMA UK).
I’m deeply glad I took his advice.
It led to recognition as a Certified Turnaround Professional (CTP) through the EACTP , and as a Fellow Paralegal from the Institute of Paralegals, before they were acquired by CILEX — and now, as one of the first CILEX Chartered Paralegals.
A Milestone for the Profession
This moment is about more than just a title. It’s a marker of how far we’ve come — of how Paralegals are stepping into the spotlight as trusted, regulated professionals in their own right.
The Chartered status shows that our sector is evolving — that the legal profession is expanding to recognise new specialisms and career paths that respond to modern needs.
Achieving this new grade is very important for independent Professionals practitioners like myself that sits in dual roles, so being recognised as Chartered is a big milestone in my opinion.
And while Chartered Turnaround Professional is not yet a recognised title… I still hold hope. I believe that one day — maybe not in my lifetime, but perhaps not too far away — Turnaround will also be recognised as a standalone chartered professional discipline.
For Anyone at a Career Crossroads
If you’re reading this and your career has taken an unexpected turn — or if circumstances beyond your control have reshaped your path — I hope my story reminds you that professional fulfilment can come in the most unexpected ways.
It’s not always about having a straight, predictable path. Sometimes, it’s about responding to the moment, showing up, and letting your role evolve with the world around you.
I’m grateful for this journey, for the mentors and colleagues who believed in me, and for the opportunity to keep serving at the intersection of law, business, operational improvement, and restructuring.