For many people, a career in law is often associated with university, law degrees and a traditional qualification route. However, the legal profession has evolved significantly, with apprenticeships and alternative qualification pathways creating opportunities for people to build successful legal careers through practical experience.
At Allington Hughes Law, we are proud to support colleagues from a variety of backgrounds and career paths. We recently sat down with Rhian from our Criminal Department to talk about her journey into law, the challenges she has overcome, and why there is more than one way to become a lawyer.
Can you introduce yourself, what dept you’re on, your position and how long you’ve been at AHL?
My name is Rhian and I am a Crown Court Paralegal and Police Station Representative within our Criminal Department. I have been at Allington Hughes Law for over a year and a half.
You didn’t take the traditional university route. Can you tell us about the path you chose instead? And do you think your taken route has given you different experiences or advantages?
I did Criminology at A level but didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I did not want to go to university as I much preferred the idea of gaining experience and working my way up. After school, a career in law was never really on my radar as I thought you’d need to go to university and get a degree.
Despite my presumptions, when I was 19, I started working in a law firm in Wrexham as a criminal legal secretary. I learned about the Police Station Accreditation and that became my focus. I knew I wanted to help people who were facing accusations and needed representation. I was determined to become a police station representative. Unfortunately, the Criminal department closed at the firm, meaning I was unable to start the accreditation. I was absolutely devastated.
Still determined to stay in Criminal Law, I became a Criminal Barristers Clerk at St Johns Buildings, Chester. I worked as a clerk for a year, I gained experience and learnt so much about the Crown Court. Despite working with the most amazing Barristers and staff, I missed speaking to clients, I missed the idea of going to the Police Station and I still had that determination to complete the accreditation.
In 2025, I joined Allington Hughes as a Crown Court Paralegal. Dealing and managing Crown Court cases. I started my Police Station Accreditation in July 2025 and passed every exam first time, by February 2026 I was a fully qualified Police Station Representative at the age of 23. I was so proud, I had finally achieved my goal!
As much I enjoy dealing with Police Stations and Crown Court cases, I am passionate and motivated, and I knew I could do more. I started looking into developing my career with the support of my head of department and we came across CILEX.
In June 2026, I started my L5 Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship and once I finish, I will then go onto the Chartered Legal Executive Apprenticeship. I will be 29 when I qualify and I will be able to represent Clients in both the Police Station and the Magistrates Court.
My path hasn’t been the most straight forward and it certainly hasn’t been without its ups and downs. But the experience, skills and confidence I’ve developed would never be taught at university and I am so glad I have real life experience, because that is something that is simply priceless.
Whilst I didn’t go to university, I will still be a qualified lawyer before the age of 30.
What skills do you think are most important for someone wanting to work in criminal law or law in general?
In my opinion the top 5 most important skills to work in law are:
- Open mindedness – You will deal with a variety of different people, it is vital you deal with everyone in a way that encourages equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Patience – Delays and backlogs are frustrating not only for you but also the client, remembering sometimes things are completely out of your control is key.
- Organisation – Managing a busy workload can be difficult, it’s even more difficult when there is no organisation.
- Teamwork – Being able to deal with tasks individually is great, but dealing with others and their opinions may not be so easy. Without my colleagues and their guidance and support, I would not be where I am today.
- Resilience – There will be setbacks and there may be times you think it’ll be easier to give up. Don’t give up, your passion and motivation will be stronger than you think.
How have you continued to learn and develop since joining the firm? And in terms of furthering your knowledge, how do you think the firm/ your department supports your growth?
I genuinely believe I learn something new every day, whether it’s related to law or not!
I think my confidence of my own ability had been my biggest development since I started, my knowledge develops daily and I don’t think it will ever stop developing given how often laws and guidance can change.
The support I have received from everyone at Allington Hughes, especially the criminal department, has been overwhelming, when other people want to see you develop and succeed it really does push you to be your best.
What would you say to someone who thinks they need a law degree to work in the legal profession?
I would simply say, you don’t.
If you enjoy sitting in a classroom and like the idea of going to university, do it. Even if you don’t get a law degree you can still become a solicitor via SQE or Chartered Legal Executive (CILEX).
However, if you don’t want to continue learning in a classroom setting and would rather learn on the job and gain experience that is worthwhile, there are apprenticeships which will allow you to become a lawyer without needing to go to university!
What opportunities do you think firms like Allington Hughes can offer people taking alternative routes into law?
I think being able to sit in different areas of law is a great opportunity for those who are completely new to law. It allows people to see different areas of law and decide which area they prefer. I completely understand why someone may not want to go into Criminal law. I personally wouldn’t want to deal with any other area of law. It’s completely down to personal preferences.
If completing the SQE you won’t specialise in a particular area of law until you are qualified whereas with CILEX you specialise whilst completing the qualification. I chose CILEX as I know I want to do criminal law.
There Is More Than One Way to Build a Legal Career
Rhian’s story is a fantastic example of how determination, practical experience and a willingness to keep learning can open doors to a rewarding career in law. While the traditional university route remains an excellent option for many, it is no longer the only path into the legal profession.
At Allington Hughes Law, we are committed to supporting talented people at every stage of their careers. Whether through apprenticeships, professional qualifications or on the job development, we believe in creating opportunities for people to grow, succeed and build fulfilling careers in law.
If you’re considering a career in the legal profession, remember that your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. As Rhian’s experience shows, with passion, resilience and the right support, there are many different paths to achieving your goals.
