There is no single route to becoming a lawyer. For me, the right choice was the CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ).

I currently work full-time as a paralegal while completing the Advanced Stage of the CPQ, having already finished the Foundation Stage. Studying alongside practice is not without its challenges, but it has also been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career so far. The ability to apply what I learn directly to real client matters has made the journey both practical and purposeful.

What is the CPQ?

The CILEX Professional Qualification is a three-stage pathway:

• Foundation Stage – covering core legal principles, ethics and key legal skills

• Advanced Stage – building deeper legal knowledge and developing greater responsibility in practice

• Professional Stage – leading to qualification as a CILEX Lawyer

One of the key strengths of the CPQ route is that it is built around work-based learning. It is not simply about passing exams; it is about demonstrating competence and applying legal knowledge effectively in a real working environment.

CPQ Foundation Stage: Building Strong Legal Foundations

The Foundation Stage offers an accessible entry point into the legal profession, particularly for those without a traditional law degree — as in my case. It provides a structured grounding in legal principles and professional skills that are used daily in practice.

This stage includes:

• Core areas of law such as contract, tort and an introduction to property law

• Legal research skills

• Professional ethics and conduct

• Written and analytical communication

I completed this stage through online examinations alongside coursework linked to my day-to-day work at Feldon Dunsmore. Studying client care or legal research in the evening and then applying those principles to live matters the next day strengthened my understanding significantly. The learning felt practical rather than purely academic.

CPQ Advanced Stage: Developing Knowledge and Responsibility

Having completed the Foundation Stage, I am now undertaking the Advanced Stage. This builds on the core knowledge already established and requires a higher level of legal analysis and practical competence.

At this stage, the focus includes:

• More complex areas of substantive law, such as criminal law and dispute resolution

• Enhanced drafting and advisory skills

• Advanced analytical reasoning

• Demonstrating progression in workplace competence

Specialisation becomes more defined at this level. My studies are aligning closely with my chosen area of practice, and I will shortly be sitting an exam in Property and Conveyancing. Through my work, I have developed a particular interest in property law and hope to qualify in this area in the future.

As my caseload grows and I take on greater responsibility in drafting and client communication, my academic studies mirror that progression. Balancing increased academic demands with professional responsibilities can be challenging, but it offers a realistic insight into the everyday balancing act required of qualified lawyers.

CPQ Professional Stage: Transitioning to CILEX Lawyer Status

The final stage of the CPQ pathway is the Professional Stage, which leads to qualification as a CILEX Lawyer.

At this level, the emphasis shifts to:

• Demonstrating sound professional judgement

• Managing legal matters with autonomy

• Meeting defined professional competence standards

• Completing the required period of qualifying employment

Importantly, CPQ integrates qualifying employment and competence assessment throughout the process. Qualification is not solely exam-based; it reflects sustained professional development in practice.

My Journey So Far

There is still work ahead. I have completed one Advanced Stage exam and am awaiting results, with further exams planned over the next two years. The finish line may feel some distance away, but I am confident this is the right route for me.

As someone who did not attend university, the CPQ pathway has made a legal career both accessible and achievable. It allows me to continue contributing to the firm while steadily building knowledge, confidence and responsibility at each stage.

For me, the journey is about consistent progression — developing as a legal professional while continuing to support clients and colleagues every day.

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