Pathways to Progression – The Traditional Legal Route

Law is an exciting and rewarding profession that requires dedication, perseverance, and hard work. If you’re considering a career in law, there are many different routes you can take. In this edition of Pathways to Progression, we’ll be discussing the stories of Ellie Hirst and Kathryn Hunt, who followed a more traditional path into law.

Ellie’s Story

Ellie did not have a clear idea of what she wanted to do after school. However, during her time in sixth form, she had a spare AS level and decided to study law. She enjoyed it and pursued it further at university because it was a well-rounded degree that would allow her to access a wide range of careers. 

Ellie started her legal career at Ramsdens as a Junior Conveyancing Assistant, having taken a summer temp placement. She quickly realised that conveyancing wasn’t the area of law she wanted to specialise in, and after a year, she moved to the private client team. After gaining some experience, Ellie joined Chadwick Lawrence as a paralegal, where she worked for eight months before being offered a training contract in 2021. She qualified in October 2021 and now works in Private Client, where she deals with wills, estate planning, and estates after someone has passed away.

Kath’s Story

Kathryn initially followed a conventional path, pursuing A-Levels at Greenhead College in Huddersfield and aiming to pursue a history degree at Durham University. However, her perspective shifted when a friend discussed career options with the college’s careers service.

Kathryn was aware that Chadwick Lawrence offered opportunities to a select few students each year. Intrigued, she considered the advice, submitted her application, and successfully interviewed for a position at Chadwick Lawrence.

We brought Kathryn on board as a Paralegal, enabling her to concurrently pursue a traditional law degree part-time at BPP University London. After dedicating a year to full-time work with us, she embarked on a training contract, marking the formal commencement of her journey to become a solicitor.

Kathryn undertook the Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the University of Huddersfield and obtained her qualification in 2017. Since then, she has immersed herself in various departments within our firm, including family law, litigation, employment, and conveyancing. During this time, she discovered a profound passion for litigation, and she now thrives as an Associate in that field.

The route to becoming a solicitor or a barrister may not be as simple as it once was, but there are many different routes available. You can study law at university, complete a conversion course, or take an apprenticeship. You can also work your way up from a Paralegal position, as Ellie and Kath did.

If you’re considering a career in law, Ellie and Kath’s advice is to persevere and manage your expectations. The route into law may not be as accessible as it once was, but there is always a way into it. Everyone has different skills and interests, and there are many different routes that suit different people. Furthermore, it’s important to note that the legal profession is vast, and you can specialise in different areas, from family law to corporate law, criminal law, or private client law.

In conclusion, there are different ways of getting a career in law, and it’s important to explore all the options available to you. Whether you’re studying at university or working your way up from a paralegal position, perseverance, dedication, and hard work will be essential to succeed in this field. If you’re passionate about the law and committed to your career, there is no doubt that you’ll be able to achieve your goals.

If you are looking to further explore a career in law, click here.