Legal secretary
Melanie Cairns
Melanie, 39, lives in Beaconsfield, Bucks with her husband, Garry
Old job: Dressmaker and secretary
New job: Legal executive lawyer
“I left school before finishing my A-levels, and I knew I could make a living from dressmaking. However, I still had to supplement my income by working secretarial temping stints.
It was when we wanted to take out a bigger mortgage that I realised I needed to make more money. I was working as a part-time PA in the legal department at Fox, then took a full-time role. My boss mentioned courses run by ILEX (the Institute of Legal Executives) – you can train to become a legal executive lawyer while working, and Fox offered to pay.
You don’t have to hold any particular qualifications or have legal experience to enrol, but the Institute recommends you study while working in a legal environment. I learned the basics of law for the first two years, attending evening classes twice a week and studying at weekends.
During my final three years, I focused on my specialism: intellectual property and contract law, and company and partnership law. It was hard work but was worth it. I worked for Fox for another year, and now I work for Disney, licensing TV programmes such as Desperate Housewives and Lost. I write up contracts and ensure the clients are happy with them.
Before retraining I thought law firms were dusty, academic places, but I enjoy this link with the media and it’s great being involved in the programmes before they’re shown on TV.
I still sew when I have time, but I’m so glad that I retrained to have a more secure, stable career.”
Training costs: A former employer sponsored her, but the course would normally have cost £3,000 to £3,500
What I earned before: About £10,000 dressmaking, supplemented by approximately £15,000 temping
What I earn now: £40,000
Best move: Having the confidence to apply for a legal role
Top tip: Make sure you are driven. You’ll need stamina to work at the same time as retraining.
Is it for you?
The Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX), the professional and regulatory body for Legal Executives lawyer, offers an alternative route to a career in law without studying at university
Qualifications? 4 GCSEs or more
Cost? £3,500 for a four-year course
Earnings? Once qualified and with experience, from £25,000 to £92,000 for experienced legal executives working in large firms
For more: Call 01234-841000 or visit ilexcareers.org.uk
