Yanthé Richardson’s CILEX career journey

Lawyer did not appear on my list of future careers as a child, and it certainly wasn't on my mind when I left school at 17. But I needed to get a job and the job I found just happened to be as a trainee legal secretary in a local law firm. It was largely a legally aided practice, aside from the conveyancing department, which is where I began my legal career.

There were a number of CILEX trainees in the business and it seemed to me that I had stumbled on something which might lead me to a professional qualification, without having to go to university. With the full support of my bosses and colleagues, I finished my CILEX exams five years later, having been exposed to every area of law that the firm practised in, starting in conveyancing before moving to family as well as clerking at the Crown Court for the criminal department.

I qualified as a family law specialist initially, running a legally aided caseload before relocating to London to work for a niche family law practice. I was admitted as a Fellow in October 2010 and gained incredible experience in that role, including in advocacy in the Principal Registry and assisting on reported matters at the RCJ.

But I had always loved the thrill of getting a deal over the line and when a relocation collided with a chance opportunity in the fast-paced New Build team within Foot Anstey's Conveyancing Services team, I jumped at it. That was back in 2014 and since then I have progressed from Chartered Legal Executive to a senior leadership position. As a Principal Director I lead a brilliant team of new build specialists, all of whom make my day job a genuine joy and many of whom I am proud to say are also training via vocational routes to qualification.

Championing the CILEX route

I have benefited from a defined career framework at a top 100 law firm which recognises my qualification and the quality of the work I produce as equal to that of my solicitor colleagues. The business I am part of has developed its approach to the non-traditional routes to qualification and now offers equal opportunities, reward and recognition to CILEX Lawyers. But I am acutely aware, that this is not a benefit shared by all.

I am passionate about raising awareness amongst employers not only of the role that CILEX qualified lawyers can play in their firms but of the quality of lawyer they can expect to employ should they choose to train their juniors via the CILEX route. The quality of a person's work and the reputation they build in the market has a much greater impact on a business's success than the route an employee qualifies through.

Improving access to legal careers

The provision of access to legal careers, regardless of someone's background, is incredibly important not only to me personally but to the diversity of our profession. It's amazing what the CILEX route into law has to offer those of all backgrounds when it comes to career opportunities and progression. And so good to see the value CILEX professionals can have within their firms, to address disparities and to improve workplace cultures.

I am proud to be part of CILEX, an organisation which provides opportunities without barriers and, in my role as President this year, I hope to continue to champion and raise awareness of the opportunity for individuals and businesses that embrace the CILEX route. I am really excited about the growing future of CILEX route and seeing the next generation of CILEX Chartered Lawyers and Chartered Paralegals qualify and flourish.