Your career questions answered

Q: I am a CILEX Lawyer working in family law. Most of the other people at my level in the department are solicitors and I recently discovered that, despite doing exactly the same job as them, I am paid a fair bit less. This feels hugely unfair and I know I need to say something. What is the best way to tackle it?

Emma: We often find that this is the case – solicitors are paid more in many law firms, but not all. Our experience is that there is a changing perception of CILEX in the marketplace and CILEX salaries are improving. In some law firms, and specifically in some disciplines such as residential property, there is less disparity between CILEX and solicitor remuneration.

If you are billing at the same or similar level to your solicitor team members, it is always worth having a conversation with your manager. Make sure you are fully informed and prepared for this kind of meeting.

Nothing will happen overnight, but your conversation might just draw their attention to something they actually agree with, or perhaps they can give you reasons you may not have thought of as to why this is the case.

Louise: It is unfortunately a reality that not all employers in legal services fully understand CILEX. This is something we are committed to addressing and is part of the reason CILEX has invested in rebranding and in the creation of the new CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ).

CILEX Lawyers are different by design and it is important that employers are aware that our members bring extensive qualities and professional expert knowledge to the table. Whilst they may not have qualified as lawyers through the traditional route, CILEX Lawyers bring the ability to engage with clients and their challenges.

If you are undertaking the same level of work to the same standard as the solicitors in your firm, then it is only right that you receive performance-related pay and that your route into law is not how your pay is determined.

For help on having these types of difficult career conversations, access our e-learning content by visiting myCareer and searching career conversations: https://mycilex.careercentre.me/Members

Q: I am currently working full-time in a criminal defence practice and am studying for my CILEX qualification in the evenings and at weekends. I’ve recently been through a relationship break-up and am struggling to keep up with my studies. I’m worried I won’t pass my next set of exams – should I pause my studies or try and get back on track?

Louise: Ever heard of the saying ‘it’s a marathon not a sprint’? The beauty of studying law with CILEX is that it is flexible and you can learn at your own pace. Life happens and sometimes, through no fault of our own, we might have to slow down the pace or adjust our focus. It’s not uncommon for our members to take a year out from their studies to deal with life events. Taking time out may allow you to re-focus and come back to your studies with renewed determination. Attending revision courses is a good way to get back up to speed and give you the best chance at passing your exams when you return.

You can book onto CILEX Law School revision courses here in myCILEX.

Emma: One of the real advantages of CILEX, and the reason a lot of people choose it over other routes of qualification, is that you can pause your studies to suit your personal circumstances. Personally, I would advise that where possible you continue, as it is always difficult to stop and start, but this is very personal decision. You can, of course, defer taking your exams until you feel ready. If you’re worried you won’t pass, it would probably be sensible to take the additional pressure off and defer. It is so important to get the balance right for your own mental health.

Some employers will give support, including time off to help with studying, so it’s often worth a conversation with your manager before taking a decision.