Your career questions answered

Q: I have a 2:1 law degree and have been working as an administrator in a City law firm across personal injury and clinical negligence for six months, but I don’t see any progression and want to get back on track in 2025. I want to develop a career as a lawyer working in PI or clinical negligence but I can’t afford to give up work to study. What are my options?

Louise: Having a law degree, means the CILEX Graduate Qualification (CGQ) would be a fantastic option for you to help you qualify as a lawyer, with an opportunity to work throughout your studies, so you don’t have to give up work, but can use your work towards the experience you need.

The CGQ is our two-stage qualification, which means you could achieve CILEX Lawyer status for around £6,700 (with additional fees for the advocacy qualification). This route to qualification would include several assessments, and a coursework project, which would need to be completed within a specified assessment period.

If you decided to obtain additional practice rights to conduct litigation and have rights of audience, it could be completed in around three and a half years, subject to your own flexibility and commitments. As part of this, you will need 2,300 hours of ‘Qualifying Experience’, which is work that contributes to the provision of legal services.

Before you consider the details of the qualification, have a conversation with your employer. You could explain that your end goal is to qualify as a lawyer, and see if they would be willing to work with you to get there, whether they can give you the exposure to the legal work that you will need in order to qualify, or even if they would be willing to sponsor you throughout your qualification. 

Take a look for more information here, or get in touch with us to talk about moving forward.

Emily: With your administrative background in personal injury and clinical negligence along with your law degree, you have a good foundation to build on. Start by exploring paralegal roles in these fields, which offer direct experience and can sometimes lead to apprenticeships, training contracts and other opportunities within the firm.

You might also consider studying some form of legal qualification alongside your work, with flexible options that allow you to work and study simultaneously, and some firms may even help cover the costs.

Finally, networking through professional legal events and joining associations relevant to PI or clinical negligence will help you make important connections and show your ongoing commitment to progressing in these areas of law. By combining practical paralegal experience with flexible study, you can progress your career without stepping away from employment.

Q: I'm a Fellow who heads up a team in the commercial property division of a law firm. I've enjoyed my time in this position watching my team grow but feel ready for the next challenge. The firm is opening applications for partnership in 12 months, and while I don't think I'm ready yet, I could use this year to get there. What should my focus be on?

Emily: Focus this year on areas that demonstrate leadership and growth potential. First, enhance your business development skills by building client relationships and finding opportunities to contribute to the firm’s growth, whether through networking or leading new initiatives.

Leadership skills will also be crucial, so really invest time in mentoring and supporting your commercial property team, which will show your commitment to long-term development. You should also broaden your strategic thinking by aligning your work with the firm’s goals.

Lastly, a mentor already in the partnership can help guide you and advocate for you during the process so it is worth having this conversation. These steps will help position you as a valuable future partner when the application opens. Good luck!

Louise: Preparing for partnership is a significant milestone, and using the next 12 months wisely can make a significant difference. It’s worth speaking with a selection of partners about the process they have been through to see if there are any specific areas they suggest.

As a partner, you will need to develop your understanding of the firm’s financials, including budgeting, forecasting, profitability and business development, together with strategic thinking, because as a partner you’ll be involved in more decision-making.

You may be able to take opportunities between now and next year to increase your visibility within your firm by getting involved in projects and firm-wide initiatives. The experience you can gain from this will increase your skills and reputation.

You should also start to reflect on your own strengths and areas for improvement, and seek feedback from your peers, mentors and supervisors to identify any areas for improvement.

I’d also recommend you look at your myCareer career development platform, which you can access in myCILEX, which contains interactive career tools, assessments, e-learning, and career development exploration resources to help. Good luck with the next 12 months and beyond!