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Results day can bring a mixture of emotions. While some students are celebrating months of hard work, others may be facing results that weren’t quite what they hoped for.
For CILEX student Codie Jenkins, this results period brought both experiences. She passed her Tort exam but narrowly missed passing Contract by just one mark.
Having never failed an exam before, Codie admits the result hit her hard. But rather than letting the setback knock her confidence, she took time to process her disappointment, reflected on what she could learn, and quickly got back to work.
We caught up with Codie to find out what the experience has taught her about resilience, motivation, and continuing to work towards your goals when things don’t go exactly to plan.
You mentioned that you'd never failed an exam before and that this hit you quite hard. What helped you process the result and keep a positive perspective?
I think what helped me process the result most was having a big cry! I let myself feel all the emotions that came with it, including the disappointment and frustration of being only one mark away from a pass.
I think it's important to allow yourself to feel those emotions rather than trying to push them aside. After all, no one gets extra marks for pretending they aren't upset.
I’m also a huge believer in fate and I believe that everything happens for a reason. I knew that this was coming at some point and I wasn’t going to get all the way to qualification without failing a single exam.
Failing an exam isn’t something anyone wants, but it’s a part of the process and there’s something to be learnt from experiencing that setback.
What did the experience teach you about yourself?
I think this experience has made me realise that I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well, particularly during this exam season, as I was sitting two exams in areas of law that I don't really have any practical experience in.
It also reminded me that it is absolutely not the end of the world if things don't go to plan. I can simply re-sit the exam and try again.
Contract is notoriously one of the more challenging papers, and the most important thing I've taken from this experience is that I am resilient and determined to keep going.
What would you say to another CILEX student who has received a result they're disappointed with?
I would tell them that it’s okay to feel disappointed. You've worked hard, and it’s natural to be upset when the outcome isn’t what you hoped for.
But I would also remind them that one exam result does not define their intelligence, capability or future success. Take some time to reflect, learn from the experience, and then focus on the next step.
Many successful legal professionals have faced setbacks along the way. What matters most is how you move forward.
Also, one of the great things about CILEX is that there are no limits on how many times you can retake an exam. If it takes three attempts, four attempts, five attempts or more, that’s okay.
The important thing is not how quickly you get there, but that you keep going.
Has the result changed how you're approaching your next attempt at Contract?
I think my next attempt at Contract will be with much less pressure on myself.
If I pass, great. If I don't, I'll learn from it and try again.
I'm focusing on strengthening the areas I found most challenging and hoping for the best.
What keeps you motivated to continue with your CILEX journey when things don't go exactly to plan?
My long-term goal is what keeps me motivated.
I chose the CILEX route because it allows me to work in an area that I love and qualify as a lawyer alongside. One setback doesn’t change that.
Every challenge is an opportunity to grow and improve. I also remind myself of everything I have already achieved and how far I have come.
Looking back now, what are you most proud of from this results period?
I’m proud that I managed to pass my Tort exam.
I’m also proud of myself for continuing to study and sit these exams while working full-time and still making time to enjoy my life. It’s a lot to juggle.
The fact that I was only one mark away from passing Contract shows that I’m nearly there and just need a little more practice.
Instead of letting the disappointment knock my confidence, I chose to focus on what I could learn from the experience and how I could move forward.
You were also really generous in celebrating other people's successes in a recent LinkedIn post. Why was it important to you to share that positivity with others?
I think celebrating others’ successes is a huge part of the CILEX community and I absolutely love it.
Results day can bring a mix of emotions for different people. While some students may be disappointed, others have achieved something they’ve worked incredibly hard for and deserve to celebrate it.
The CILEX community is incredibly supportive, and I think it’s important that we celebrate each other’s successes while also supporting those who may be facing setbacks.
Both experiences can exist at the same time, and recognising that helps build a stronger and more encouraging community.
Proud to support Codie
Codie’s employer, SBMB Legal, has seen first-hand the commitment she has shown to her studies while working full-time.
“We at SBMB Legal are so very proud of Codie for all of her hard work in not only studying multiple modules at once but doing so whilst holding down a full-time job alongside and performing outstandingly in her role such that she is a genuinely valuable asset to our small consultancy business.”
They have also seen her confidence and professional knowledge grow throughout her CILEX journey.
“We have seen her confidence in legal knowledge and client care grow through her studies at a record pace, her experience and expertise is far beyond her level of qualification already.”
For SBMB Legal, Codie’s results are testament to the dedication she has shown, particularly having taken on both Contract and Tort at the same time.
“The fact she took on two beast topics of contract and tort together this time and did so well at tort and was 1% (!) away from passing contract is testament to her dedication and hard work.”
But it is Codie’s response to the setback that has made them particularly proud.
“She was disappointed by this yet approached that disappointment with such maturity and got straight back on the horse again booking in her resit and pressing on with her next challenge.”
They also highlighted the positivity Codie showed towards fellow CILEX students on LinkedIn, celebrating their achievements even while processing her own disappointing result.
“To then share the posts she did on LinkedIn and be so supportive of her fellow CILEX students just reinforces what a truly inspirational lawyer she is already becoming.”
Keep going
Codie’s experience is a reminder that setbacks are a part of many successful journeys. An exam result – even a disappointing one – doesn’t define your ability, your potential or where your career can take you.
Sometimes the most important achievement is simply deciding to try again.
As Codie puts it: “The important thing is not how quickly you get there, but that you keep going.”