After leaving school with few qualifications, putting her law ambitions on hold and returning to study in her 50’s, Rukhsana is proving that it is never too late to believe in yourself and pursue your ambitions.
Rukhsana’s journey into law has been anything but straightforward. But after years of setbacks, changing circumstances and self-doubt, she is now well on her way to achieving something she once thought might never happen – qualifying as a CILEX Lawyer.
Her story is one of determination, resilience and the power of a second chance.
A dream put on hold
Rukhsana left school with few qualifications but always had a strong desire to learn and better herself. She went to college and eventually progressed to university, where she studied law.
At the time, she was excited about the future and the legal career she hoped to build. However, her health began to deteriorate and, eventually, continuing her planned route into law became too difficult. Her ambitions had to be put on hold.
“For many years, I thought that chapter of my life had closed,” she says.
Rukhsana went on to raise her family while working in a range of roles, and supported domestic violence charities and community projects. Although her career took a different direction, her interest in law never disappeared.
Then, in her 50’s, she discovered CILEX.
A second chance
Returning to the legal profession as a mature candidate was not without its challenges. Having completed her law degree decades earlier, Rukhsana began to explore her options but quickly discovered that the cost of returning to legal education would be a significant barrier.
Support from the CILEX Foundation changed that.
Rukhsana applied for funding and impressed assessors with her determination and ambition. Although she had no formal work experience, the Trustees recognised her potential and awarded her a Launchpad to Law Award.
The award gave Rukhsana more than financial support. It gave her the confidence and motivation to take the next step.
“I honestly didn’t expect that I would be where I am today,” she says. “There were times when I doubted myself, so having that support and encouragement helped me keep going and believe that I could achieve it.”
She later received CILEX Foundation Bursary funding, enabling her to progress onto the CILEX Graduate Programme and continue working towards her goal of qualifying as a CILEX Lawyer.
Studying around life
Rukhsana began her CILEX studies at the age of 53. Returning to education later in life, while balancing part-time work, family life and ongoing health challenges, has certainly tested her.
But the flexibility of the CILEX route has allowed her to fit her studies around her circumstances.
“Returning to studying law later in life has been challenging. I doubted myself and my ability, but I persevered.”
That perseverance has paid off.
Rukhsana has now passed all four of her exams, a milestone she describes as meaning much more than simply passing four exams.
“It represents everything I have overcome. It represents the young person who left school without the qualifications they needed. The person in their 50s who decided to try again.”
Growing in confidence
Alongside developing her legal knowledge, Rukhsana says her CILEX journey has helped her build confidence in her abilities and become more comfortable applying what she has learned in practical situations.
Her studies have strengthened her research, analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, all of which have become valuable in her legal career.
“CILEX has helped me understand not only the law itself, but also how to apply my knowledge in practical situations and approach legal work with greater confidence.”
For Rukhsana, that growing confidence has been one of the most important parts of her journey.
Knowing she isn’t alone
The support she has received played a significant role.
Rukhsana describes being a CILEX member as knowing there is a support network around her as she continues to develop her legal career.
“I feel comfortable asking for help when I need it, knowing that there is always someone at the end of the phone who is willing to listen and help,” she says.
She particularly highlights the encouragement she has received from CILEX colleagues and Dominique Edell from the CILEX Foundation, who have all been “lovely and supportive”.
“Having someone there who believes in you and is willing to help really does make a difference.”
A message for anyone considering law
Rukhsana believes her experience demonstrates the value of having a flexible route into the legal profession, particularly for people balancing study with work, family or other commitments.
“I would definitely recommend CILEX to anyone considering a career in law, especially if you need a more flexible way of studying alongside work, family and life in general.”
She also believes that prospective legal professionals should not feel that they have to navigate their journey alone.
“There is a real backbone of support through CILEX and knowing that there is someone you can speak to when you need help or guidance makes a big difference.”
It’s never too late
For Rukhsana, her journey is about much more than becoming a legal professional. It’s about proving to herself that the setbacks she experienced didn’t have to define her future.
“The CILEX Foundation has given me an opportunity that I genuinely believe has changed my life. It showed me that your circumstances, your age, or the setbacks you have experienced do not have to define what you can achieve.”
She hopes her story will inspire others, particularly those who feel they have missed their opportunity or that life has taken them far from their ambitions.
“I feel incredibly proud of myself. I am also proud because I hope my journey shows my children, and anyone else who may be reading my story, that it’s never too late to believe in yourself and pursue your dreams.”
Rukhsana may have taken a longer and unexpected route into law, but she has finally made it back to where she always wanted to be. And she couldn’t be more proud.