Speaking of Law: What Becoming a CILEX Member Means to Me

For many, the journey into the legal profession follows a traditional path. But for those of us who choose a different route, organisations like CILEX represent more than just a route of qualification. They represent possibility, purpose, and pride.

Becoming a CILEX member has been a pivotal moment in my life. It’s not just about the legal training or the professional recognition. For me, it’s a deeply personal achievement a symbol of resilience, self-belief, and the quiet determination to prove that where you come from doesn't limit where you can go.

One of the standout points in my journey came shortly after I lost my dad. I was at a crossroads in life, and the idea of leaving home to go to university didn’t feel right. I needed to be close to family, to grieve, and to find my way forward in my own time.

When I confided in my family about not going to university, my uncle’s response hit hard: “If I received a CV without a degree, I wouldn’t even read the rest.” That sentence has always stuck with me, not because it discouraged me, but because it lit something inside me. I decided in that moment that I would prove him and everyone who viewed university as the “correct career route” wrong. I knew that I had the drive, the capability, and the heart to succeed in whatever I chose, even if I didn’t take the “conventional” route.

That’s where CILEX came in. From day one, I found a community that not only accepted my journey but celebrated it. CILEX recognises that legal excellence isn’t limited to one path. It values practical experience, personal growth, and the kind of strength that doesn’t always come from lecture halls, but from life and experiences.

The support I’ve received through CILEX, whether through resources, professional development, or just knowing I’m part of a like-minded community has been invaluable. I’ve connected with people who understand the pressures of working while studying, who juggle personal responsibilities with professional ambition, and who lift each other up at every stage.

CILEX membership has given me so much more than a route into law. It’s given me confidence. It’s given me credibility. And it’s surrounded me with a network of people who are as driven, passionate, and committed as I am.

It means I can work in a profession I love, without compromising who I am or where I come from. It proves that a CV without a degree can still open doors when it’s backed by determination, experience, and integrity.

Being part of CILEX also means being part of something bigger. As the legal landscape evolves, CILEX is helping to lead that change promoting diversity, inclusion, and access to justice. As a member, I’m not just building my own career; I’m part of a movement that’s changing what the legal profession looks like.

To me, becoming a CILEX member means more than I can fully put into words. It represents overcoming hardship, defying expectations, and finding strength through community. It’s a reminder that where there's will, there’s a way and that success isn't defined by tradition, but by determination.

If you're interested in a career in law see how CILEX can help.