Liam began his legal journey at the age of 17, working as a Clerical Assistant Apprentice at a high street law firm. He spent his days opening files, photocopying documents and learning the ropes of legal practice from the ground up. While he enjoyed the experience, he knew he wanted more.
“At the time, I knew I wasn’t going to be a Clerical Assistant forever,” Liam says. “The prospect of becoming a lawyer really excited me — but I had no idea how I was going to achieve that without going to university.”
It was a colleague who introduced him to CILEX. After researching the qualification and what it could offer, Liam knew he had found his route.
Liam enrolled on the CILEX Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship at Malcolm C Foy & Co Solicitors at the age of 18. While working in the Dispute Resolution Department, he studied subjects such as Civil Litigation, Law of Tort, and Client Care Skills — all while gaining vital hands-on experience in the field.
“CILEX gave me the legal knowledge I needed to be a confident lawyer, while also exposing me to real legal work from the very beginning,” Liam explains. “That combination of study and experience helped me develop practical skills much faster than my peers.”
His early career wasn't without setbacks. Like many others, Liam was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and was made redundant. For six months, he delivered parcels for Hermes (Evri), unable to secure a legal role. But he remained focused on his goal.
In 2020, he joined Jones & Co Solicitors as a Dispute Resolution Paralegal. He sat multiple CILEX exams over just two weeks, earning distinctions and merits. His dedication led to a promotion to Dispute Resolution Executive in 2021, where he began his CILEX Level 6 studies.
Now at Foys Solicitors, Liam has passed his Level 6 Equity & Trusts unit and is set to become a CILEX Advanced Paralegal in June 2025. He’s also preparing to progress to CILEX Lawyer status, with a particular interest in advocacy and Trust & Estate Disputes.
How has CILEX helped your career?
“CILEX provided me with an accessible route into the legal industry. I owe my career to CILEX — it really is that simple. It gave me the flexibility to earn while I studied, and it exposed me to the legal world in a way that no other route could have. Without CILEX, I wouldn’t be in the legal industry today.”
What does being a CILEX member mean to you?
“I’m incredibly proud to be CILEX. I actively advocate for the route because I want more people to know about it. CILEX Lawyers now have full parity with Solicitors under the Legal Services Act — it’s a powerful qualification that’s still not as widely understood as it should be. I want to change that.”
Would you choose the same path again?
“If I had the choice to rewind the clock and start again, knowing everything I know now, I would choose CILEX over university every single time.”
Liam’s passion for CILEX extends beyond his day job. As President of the Doncaster Junior Lawyers Division and the Doncaster & District Law Society, he uses his platform to champion the CILEX route and help others see its value.
“CILEX didn’t just help my career — it created the platform for me to have one. It gave me direction, confidence, and credibility. And now, I want to pass that forward.”
For anyone considering a legal career but unsure about university, Liam is clear in his recommendation:
“CILEX allows you to gain the qualifications you need while developing real-world experience. It’s an opportunity that should be grabbed with both hands.”