Member Spotlight: How CILEX helped me build a rewarding legal career while working full-time

At 32, Janine Cowie was looking for a flexible route into law that would allow her to continue working while gaining a professional qualification. Today, she's a Fellow of CILEX, a Legal Advisor with HMCTS, a CILEX Specialist Advisor and an advocate for the CILEX route.

We spoke to Janine about her journey, the opportunities CILEX has opened up and why she'd recommend the qualification to others.

What qualification did you study, and why did you choose CILEX?

I undertook the Level 6 Graduate Fast Track Diploma, specialising in Criminal Litigation and Family Practice.

I originally planned to complete the LPC because that was the route I knew about. However, when I couldn't secure funding, a colleague suggested I look into CILEX. After doing some research, I realised it was an excellent option that allowed me to spread the cost while continuing to work full-time and study at the same time.

I chose Criminal Litigation and Family Practice because I had the opportunity to join the family department at the firm where I was working, and criminal law had been my favourite subject during my Graduate Diploma in Law.

I was 32 when I started my CILEX studies and qualified as a Fellow of CILEX in 2021.

What skills and knowledge did you gain through your studies?

My studies gave me excellent knowledge of both areas of practice, alongside valuable client care skills.

One of the biggest advantages of studying through CILEX was being able to work full-time while I studied. It meant I was gaining real-world experience alongside my learning and could immediately apply what I was studying in practice.

Since becoming more involved with CILEX, I've also developed my networking and public speaking skills. I've gained a much better understanding of how important CILEX is in giving people who might not otherwise be able to access legal education the opportunity to study, work and spread the cost over a timescale that works for them.

How has your CILEX qualification helped your career?

My CILEX qualification meant I could begin working straight away and continue progressing my career while studying for further litigation rights.

Along the way, I've met so many fantastic people and had opportunities I never expected, including becoming a Specialist Advisor for CILEX in Crime, representing CILEX on Legal Board Wales and attending the Legal Wales Conference.

These experiences have given me a much broader understanding of both CILEX and the wider legal community, particularly in Wales.

I've also become a CILEX specialist within HMCTS, where I now support new CILEX trainees completing their qualifying experience as they train to become Legal Advisors.

What does being a CILEX member mean to you?

Being a member of CILEX means the world to me.

Through CILEX, I've been able to study, develop my career, begin supporting the next generation of CILEX lawyers and represent CILEX across the wider legal profession.

I'm incredibly proud of everything I've achieved through CILEX and excited to see where both my career and my involvement with CILEX take me next.

Have you used any of the additional member services?

Yes. I've used CILEX CPD to develop new skills and complete my annual CPD requirements as a Fellow.

This has been invaluable because my role within HMCTS doesn't always provide the same range of training opportunities that someone working in private practice might receive.

I've also enjoyed using CILEX Rewards, which has given me some excellent discounts.

What would you say to someone considering CILEX?

I would absolutely recommend CILEX to anyone looking for a route into a legal career.

Balancing full-time work with studying can be challenging, and it requires commitment, but the outcome is incredibly rewarding.

The CILEX community is supportive and welcoming, and becoming a member opens the door to so many opportunities beyond qualification, whether that's becoming a Specialist Advisor, teaching or mentoring future CILEX students.

Looking back, what does your CILEX journey mean to you?

I have always been, and will continue to be, proud of being a Fellow of CILEX and everything that this has given me: an excellent career in law and a clear professional progression path within HMCTS.

I'm grateful for all the support I've received from CILEX and look forward to seeing what the next five years have in store.