Zac Heywood is a Paralegal at Wilkin Chapman Solicitors. He is studying to become a CILEX Lawyer.
Why did you choose CPQ?
I chose CPQ because it's a much more flexible, supportive way of learning and allows you to earn while you learn, working as a paralegal and studying to become a fully qualified CILEX Lawyer and specialise in corporate and commercial law. For me, this is the best option.
I’ve been working at my law firm for three years now since joining straight after school. After my six-month probation period ended, I spoke to my employer about my future at the company and we came to the agreement that I should train to be a CILEX lawyer. Now, I’m just about to complete the Foundation stage of the CPQ.
My employer is directly involved with my CILEX programme and completely sponsors my CPQ costs, which is great. They also allow me study time and leave for exams, so I get a lot of support – they’re very positive about CILEX.
How does the course work in practical terms?
I'm doing CPQ through CILEX Law School. They provide all the learning resources, the lectures, the modules, practice exams, books, all the resources that I could need for any exam —all very accessible and easy to use.
I’m also in contact with other members of the school community. We discuss different aspects of the exams and the resources that we’re using. We can swap notes, discuss exam questions – even speak to the lecturers. It's just a brilliant way of learning. I can be on the train, at work, at home and if I have a few spare minutes, I can access whatever I need to.
How do you balance working with studying?
The work life balance aspect is really important to me. And, in that respect, CPQ is brilliant: you can buy into the course and then take as much time as you want to complete the course. For me, the studying side of things is relatively easy. I do about an hour and a half each night, then I have time for my social life, for the gym, for whatever I need to do. That's all I need for the initial stage, up to exam time where I’ll take time off work to put more hours into revising.
And my studying does directly contribute to my day-to-day working life, especially the professional skills course. It’s really helped me with presenting a professional front in the workplace and how to act with clients, how to speak on the phone and how to manage day-to-day office tasks.
What are the benefits of CILEX membership?
Alongside the courses, there are many other benefits to joining CILEX. There's the professional side — you get a weekly newsletter from CILEX and there's a quarterly journal, and then there are more personalised things such as discounts off branded products, Apple, Pure Gym and holidays.
What’s your advice to anyone thinking about a career in law?
I’d say explore your options. University isn’t for everyone, and it doesn't have to be anymore because CILEX offers a different qualification route that is highly respected. It offers the opportunity to really develop your legal skills as well as your knowledge in a way that you might not get if you took the university route.
There’s also a financial side to this. My law firm has sponsored me throughout the entire process and given me everything that I need in terms of support along the way whereas if I’d gone the traditional route, I’d have to repay tens of thousands in loans.
What’s next?
I think in terms of what's next, the sky is really the limit. I'll take on opportunities as they're presented to me. I just want to keep moving forward and fulfilling my potential in the legal industry.
When I first started down this route, I set out with an open mind, and that has really led me to take on all the opportunities I’ve encountered and get the most out of CILEX. You can really take it at a pace that suits you and choose the modules that you want to study. You can really personalise it in a way that you can't personalise the traditional route into law.
I don't think I'd do anything differently if I had my time again. I’m really happy where I am I am – I'm super close to qualification with a fantastic team and having positive conversations around associate.