Having graduated with an art history degree, I couldn't decide on a career. Seeing an advert for a position within the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), a career in law sounded interesting. The CPS encouraged me to train as a legal executive and then to continue my studies to become a qualified solicitor. I qualified in 2001 as a solicitor and now practise with Newcastle upon Tyne solicitors Browell Smith & Co as an assistant solicitor. I am a personal injury specialist. The reasons why I chose ILEX ...It was not financially viable for me to return to full-time education and the idea of studying law whilst continuing to earn was very attractive. I discovered that the ILEX course has a strong emphasis on practice, with many of the exam questions geared towards advising clients on a specific legal scenario. After completion of three years at university and now being in work, this approach was very refreshing and relevant. Although the syllabus required me to obtain a sound knowledge of law, the exercises were primarily concerned with the practical application of it rather than a purely academic discussion. I found this approach to be invaluable in my work experience and believe that my training through ILEX has strongly influenced my success in obtaining my present position, as well as preparing me for the Legal Practice Course (LPC). My present employers employed me as a legal executive and allowed me to study for my LPC by day release. My present post is a continuation of the work that I carried out prior to qualification as a solicitor. The work I do as a specialist in personal injury ranges from straightforward accident claims to extremely complex cases. I also work with asbestos claims. Without my ILEX qualification, I would have been unlikely to achieve this. The advantages of following the ILEX route ...Apart from having the possibility of studying and earning in tandem, a Fellow of ILEX is exempted from the Law Society training contract, which can be hard to find. There are also further exemptions from the Professional Skills Course. The cost of studying with ILEX was a major consideration and makes the ILEX route particularly advantageous - it is cheaper by far than the traditional route to qualification as a solicitor and employers are far more likely to assist. Fellowship status of ILEX is a professional qualification and highly regarded in the legal profession. The disadvantages of following the ILEX route ... The main disadvantage was having to study after a long day at work! Determination to succeed always took over. I would advise anybody wishing either to start a career in law or change careers to seriously consider the ILEX route. Philippa Joneas: Browell Smith & Co | 
