My Legal Journey: How I Became a Licensed Conveyancer

My route into law has not been a straightforward one, but it is a journey that has shaped both my career and who I am as a person.

I am now a Licensed Conveyancer, helping clients navigate what is often one of the most significant transactions of their lives. Property transactions can be exciting, stressful, complex and emotional, and I enjoy being able to guide clients through the process and help make their experience as smooth as possible.

Starting My Legal Career

My legal career began in 2007 when I joined BPL Solicitors as a Legal Secretary. It was my first experience of working within a law firm and gave me valuable insight into the legal profession, the importance of attention to detail and the value of providing excellent client service.

Unfortunately, the financial crisis and resulting recession had a significant impact on many businesses, including law firms, and I was made redundant. Whilst it was a difficult experience at the time, looking back it became an important part of my journey and ultimately led me in a different direction.

Following my redundancy, I spent several years working as a Mortgage Adviser. This role allowed me to develop a strong understanding of the property market and the financial aspects of home ownership. I enjoyed helping clients achieve their property goals and supporting them through major life decisions. Although I valued the experience and gained a wealth of knowledge, I realised that my long-term ambition remained within the legal profession.

In 2013, I made the decision to return to law and joined another firm as a Legal Secretary. Whilst I was effectively starting again, I was determined to build a long-term career in conveyancing. The combination of my previous legal experience and my background in mortgage advice provided me with a unique perspective and a strong foundation on which to build my future career.

In 2016, I joined Battens as a Conveyancing Assistant. This proved to be a pivotal step in my career. The role enabled me to gain valuable hands-on experience, develop my technical knowledge and work closely alongside experienced professionals. It was during my time at Battens that I decided to pursue my ambition of qualifying as a Licensed Conveyancer through the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) pathway.

Studying During the Pandemic

I completed my studies through Manchester Online University whilst working part-time and being a mum to two young boys. The course required a significant amount of self-discipline and commitment, as much of the learning was self-directed with only occasional online classes.

A significant part of my qualification journey coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many working parents, I found myself trying to balance work, studying and family life whilst navigating the uncertainty that the pandemic brought. At the time, my two sons were just four and two years old, meaning much of my studying took place around the demands of family life.

In addition to completing coursework and assessments, I was also required to travel to Bristol to sit my examinations. This involved careful planning and organisation around childcare, work commitments and revision. There were many long evenings and weekends dedicated to studying, often after a full day of work and family responsibilities.

Balancing work commitments, coursework, childcare and the challenges of lockdown was one of the most demanding periods of my life. However, it was also one of the most rewarding. The experience taught me resilience, organisation, adaptability and determination. Looking back, qualifying during such an unprecedented time remains one of the achievements I am most proud of.

Becoming a Licensed Conveyancer

Qualifying as a Licensed Conveyancer was a significant milestone in my career and the culmination of many years of hard work, persistence and dedication.

Achieving that goal was particularly meaningful because of the path it took to get there. My route had not been traditional or straightforward. From redundancy and a change in career direction to balancing study, work and family commitments, every stage of the journey required commitment and perseverance. Qualifying reinforced my belief that setbacks do not have to define your future and that it is never too late to pursue your ambitions.

A Further Personal Challenge

Just one year after qualifying, I faced another significant challenge when I was diagnosed with a spinal tumor.

The diagnosis came as a huge shock and required me to take several months away from work to focus on treatment and recovery. It was undoubtedly one of the most difficult periods of my life, both personally and professionally.

Throughout this time, I was incredibly fortunate to have the unwavering support of my husband and family, who helped me through every stage of my recovery. I was also extremely grateful for the support I received from Battens. The understanding, compassion and encouragement shown by the firm meant I was able to focus on my health without the added worry of work pressures.

The experience gave me a different perspective on life and reminded me how important it is to have the support of those around you. It also strengthened my resilience and appreciation for both my career and my personal life.

Reflections and Looking to the Future

Would I Do Anything Differently?

When I look back on my career journey, I do not think I would change anything.

At the time, being made redundant felt like a setback, but it ultimately led me to gain valuable experience as a Mortgage Adviser and develop a broader understanding of the property industry. Every challenge, career change and obstacle has contributed to the person and professional I am today.

Each stage of my journey has taught me something valuable and has helped shape the way I approach my work and support my clients.

What Drove My Determination to Succeed?

My determination has always come from wanting to create the best possible future for my family and prove to myself that I could achieve the goals I had set.

There were times when the journey felt overwhelming. Balancing work, study, family life during the pandemic and, later, overcoming a serious health diagnosis required perseverance and resilience. However, I remained focused on the end goal and reminded myself why I had started the journey in the first place.

I have always believed that hard work, commitment and a positive mindset can help overcome even the most difficult challenges, and those values helped carry me through some of the toughest periods of my life.

Looking to the Future

Looking ahead, I am excited to continue developing my career at Battens.

The legal profession is constantly evolving, and I enjoy learning, developing my expertise and staying up to date with changes that impact clients and the conveyancing process. I hope to continue building on my experience, taking on new challenges and providing the highest possible level of service to clients.

I am also passionate about supporting and encouraging others who may be considering a career in law through a non-traditional route. My own experiences demonstrate that there is no single path to success and that determination, resilience and hard work can open opportunities regardless of where your journey begins.

Looking Back

Returning to work after my recovery was a proud moment and one that gave me a renewed appreciation for both my career and the people around me.

When I reflect on my journey so far, I am proud of what I have achieved. From rebuilding my legal career following redundancy, studying whilst working during a global pandemic and raising two young children, to overcoming a serious health diagnosis and returning to the profession I love, each experience has helped shape the person and professional I am today.

These experiences have taught me resilience, empathy, patience and determination. They have also reinforced the importance of supporting people through challenging situations, something I strive to do every day for my clients as they navigate important milestones in their own lives.

While my journey has not always been easy, it has taught me that challenges can often become opportunities, and that with the right support, determination and mindset, it is possible to achieve goals that once felt out of reach. Looking ahead, I am excited for the next chapter of my career and grateful for everything that has helped me reach this point.