Speaking of Law: A Week in My Life & Journey to Becoming a Chartered Paralegal

My name is Dawn and I’m an Associate (Chartered Paralegal) at Trethowans LLP, specialising in family law. I started my career as a secretary after leaving school at 16 and hadn’t initially considered law. After joining a law firm for a new challenge, I realised how much I enjoyed the work and studied for law qualifications alongside my job. Gaining my Paralegal Diploma in 2000 set me on my path to specialising in private law children work.

Today, I advise clients on everything from parental responsibility and child arrangements to relocation issues. I was proud to be named Best Family Law Paralegal at the National Paralegal Awards in 2019 and 2020, and became the first paralegal promoted to Associate at Trethowans. More recently, I achieved CILEX Chartered Paralegal status, giving my clients confidence that their case is in experienced hands.

My typical week

In a typical week, I undertake a wide variety of work to support clients through their family matters. This includes catching up with colleagues about ongoing cases and planning next steps to best support our clients. Much of my time involves taking client instructions, advising on options outside of court where possible, and drafting essential legal documents to progress cases efficiently.

I often prepare court applications and witness statements, liaise with Counsel ahead of hearings, and support clients navigating mediation or negotiations. We also hold regular Family Team catch-up meetings to discuss caseloads, challenges, and resourcing.

Alongside client work, I balance operational tasks like billing, cost estimates, and reviewing files, and I might attend business development events to maintain strong links with local referrers and organisations.

My week can involve drafting orders, reviewing court decisions, and advising clients on the implications for their families. I also meet new clients to understand their situations and outline how we can support them.

Towards the end of the week, I ensure everything is in place for upcoming hearings, follow up on urgent matters, and prepare invoices at month end. Supporting clients through challenging family issues requires careful planning and clear communication, and I always try to finish the week feeling organised for Monday.

Being a Chartered Paralegal is busy, varied, and rewarding. Each week brings opportunities to support clients through complex and emotional times, using my knowledge and experience to make a real difference in their lives.

My Journey to Becoming a Chartered Paralegal

I didn’t follow the traditional path into law. I left school at 16 and started out as a secretary in a manufacturing company. When a local firm of solicitors opened a branch office nearby, I applied for a secretarial role – and that’s how it all began.

Encouraged by my supportive Head of Team, I started to take on more legal tasks, studying in the evenings while working, and eventually focusing on family law cases. In 2000, I passed a Paralegal Diploma and was handed a Private Law Children caseload – that’s when I knew I’d found my area.

Since then, I’ve specialised in complex family matters, won multiple national awards, and became the first paralegal at Trethowans to be promoted to Associate. When I heard that CILEX was launching Chartered Paralegal status, it felt like the right next step to formalise my experience. It sets me apart and gives clients extra confidence that they’re in safe hands.

I applied via the Experience Assessment route. It was challenging, especially the business acumen sections, but ultimately very rewarding. It made me reflect on just how much I’ve achieved over the years, and having Chartered status really validates that experience.

Supporting others to progress is important to me too. I’ve already mentored a colleague through the CILEX Paralegal qualification, and I want to continue helping other paralegals and support staff in their careers. I was lucky to have great managers who believed in me – now I want to do the same for others.

My journey shows how real-world experience, supported by CILEX recognition, can lead to a fulfilling and respected legal career – and Chartered Paralegal status can elevate that even further.

Got the experience? Gain recognition for your professionalism.
Chartered Paralegal status is designed for experienced paralegals who want formal recognition of their skills, knowledge and contribution to the legal profession.

Find out how to apply through the Experience Assessment route:
👉 www.cilex.org.uk/membership/become-paralegal