24/08/2026
Gulrez Khan
Gulrez Khan’s Journey at Russell & Russell
At Russell & Russell, we love celebrating the moments when hard work and determination pay off. This month, we are delighted to share another, as Gulrez Khan qualifies as a CILEx Lawyer.
Gulrez graduated from the University of Manchester in 2011 and went on to qualify through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, completing both his Level 3 and Level 6 qualifications while working full time and raising a young family. Based at our Bolton head office, he is a valued member of the conveyancing team, handling everything from purchases and remortgages to more specialised work such as transfers of part and lease extensions, and earning glowing feedback from clients along the way.
His story is a great reminder that there is no single route into law. The CILEx pathway is a rigorous and respected way to qualify, one that lets you build real practical experience while you study, and Gulrez is proof of just how rewarding it can be. It is also a story about the value of support, from colleagues, supervisors and family, in helping people grow and progress with us.
We sat down with Gulrez to talk about his route to qualifying, life in the conveyancing team, his advice for anyone considering the same path, and a few things you might not know about him, including a rather surprising family connection. Here is what he had to say.
Gulrez’s Path to Qualifying
What first drew you to a career in law, and was property work always where you saw yourself ending up?
I was drawn to law because I enjoyed analysing problems, working with people and helping them navigate matters that can have a significant impact on their lives. Property was not necessarily where I initially expected to specialise, but once I began working in the area, I found I enjoyed its practical nature. Every transaction is different, and it is rewarding to help clients achieve such an important personal or commercial goal.
You graduated from the University of Manchester in 2011 and qualified through CILEx. What drew you to the CILEx route, and what would you say to anyone who assumes there's only one way into law?
The CILEx route allowed me to continue developing my career while gaining practical experience and studying towards a recognised professional qualification. I was able to apply what I learned directly to my work, which was invaluable.
There is certainly no single route into law. The CILEx pathway requires commitment and perseverance, but it provides an excellent opportunity to qualify while building substantial real-world experience. I would encourage anyone interested in law to explore all the available routes and choose the one that best suits their circumstances and learning style.
Can you talk us through your journey through the Level 3 and Level 6 CILEx qualifications, alongside working? How did you balance studying with the day job?
Completing Levels 3 and 6 alongside full-time work, being a dad of two, required discipline and careful planning. I had to set aside regular study time during evenings and weekends, particularly around assignments and examinations.
Balancing everything was challenging at times, so I learned to break the workload into manageable goals and maintain a consistent routine. Working in practice also helped because I could connect the academic material with real matters and situations. Support from colleagues, friends and family was also extremely important.
You have just qualified as a CILEx Lawyer this month. Congratulations! How does it feel to finally reach that milestone?
It feels fantastic and is a very proud moment. Qualifying represents years of study, practical experience and persistence, so it is rewarding to see that work recognised. It has also given me time to reflect on how much I have developed, both professionally and personally. I am excited about the next stage of my career and the opportunity to continue building my expertise.
What has been the steepest learning curve on the way to qualifying, and how did you work through it?
The steepest learning curve was balancing the technical knowledge required for the qualification with the demands and responsibility of day-to-day practice. Property matters can be complex, and clients naturally want clear and timely advice, even when the legal position is not straightforward.
I worked through this by staying organised, asking questions and learning from more experienced colleagues. I also made a conscious effort to reflect on each matter and carry those lessons into the next one. Over time, that helped me become more confident in my judgement and in explaining complex issues clearly to clients.
Working at Russell & Russell and Within the Conveyancing Team
How would you describe the conveyancing team to someone who has never met them?
I would describe the team as friendly, supportive and hardworking. Conveyancing can be fast-paced, so good communication and teamwork are essential. Everyone is willing to share their knowledge and help one another, while remaining focused on providing clients with a responsive and professional service.
What does a typical day look like for you in the Bolton office?
No two days are exactly the same. A typical day might involve reviewing contracts and title documents, responding to enquiries, reporting to clients and lenders, dealing with completions and speaking with estate agents and other solicitors to keep transactions progressing.
Priorities can change quickly, particularly when approaching exchange or completion, so organisation and clear communication are a major part of the role.
A coffee break and catch up with colleagues is always a good little icebreaker throughout the day.
You handle a real range of transactions, from purchases and remortgages to more specialised work like transfers of part and lease extensions. What do you enjoy most about the variety?
I enjoy the fact that each transaction brings different issues to consider. A purchase or remortgage might appear straightforward initially but can raise unexpected title or lease-related questions, while transfers of part and lease extensions require a more specialised approach.
Property transactions can be stressful for clients. Your testimonials often mention how clearly you explain each step. How do you approach keeping clients informed and reassured?
I try to remember that, although conveyancing is part of my everyday work, it may be unfamiliar and particularly important to the client. I explain matters in plain language, set realistic expectations and make sure clients understand both the current position and what will happen next.
Even when there is no major development, a brief update can provide reassurance. I also encourage clients to ask questions and aim to respond promptly so that they feel supported throughout the transaction.
How has the firm supported you in growing from paralegal to newly qualified CILEx Lawyer?
The firm has supported me by giving me practical experience across a broad range of transactions and gradually allowing me to take on greater responsibility. I have also benefited from the knowledge, guidance and encouragement of colleagues throughout my studies and qualification.
Having the opportunity to develop academically while progressing in practice has been extremely valuable. The firm's support and confidence in me have played an important part in helping me move from paralegal to qualified CILEx Lawyer.
Advice for Others Following the Same Path
What would you say to someone considering the CILEx route into law, and what are its strengths in your experience?
I would definitely recommend it. One of its greatest strengths is that you can gain recognised qualifications while developing practical experience. You can apply what you learn directly to your work and build confidence as you progress. It requires commitment, but it is a flexible and rewarding route into law.
What do you think people should know about the CILEx qualification and what it enables you to do?
People should know that CILEx is a rigorous and respected route to becoming a qualified lawyer. It combines legal knowledge with practical competence and enables you to specialise, manage your own matters and advise clients at a high professional standard. It is not a lesser route into law, simply a different one.
For anyone worried about studying while working full time, what helped you make it work?
Planning and consistency helped me most. I set aside regular study time during evenings and weekends and divided the workload into manageable goals. There were challenging periods, but focusing on one stage at a time made the overall journey feel achievable. Support from colleagues, friends and family was also invaluable.
What qualities do you think make someone well suited to conveyancing in particular?
Organisation, attention to detail and clear communication are essential. You need to manage deadlines, identify potential issues and explain complicated matters in a way clients can easily understand. Patience, resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure are also important because transactions do not always progress as smoothly as expected.
If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice at the start of it all, what would it be?
I would tell myself to trust the process and have confidence in my own ability. The final goal can seem a long way off at the beginning, but every qualification, challenge and new responsibility is a step forward. Keep going, ask questions and do not be afraid to take opportunities when they arise.
A Bit More About Gulrez
What subjects did you enjoy most at school?
I particularly enjoyed P.E., Design and Technology, and English. They were quite different subjects, but each appealed to me in its own way, P.E. kept me active, Design and Technology allowed me to be creative and practical, and English developed my interest in communication and expressing ideas clearly.
If you hadn't gone into law, what do you think you would have ended up doing instead?
I think I would have pursued a career in the fitness industry, possibly as a personal trainer or sports nutritionist. Health and fitness have always been a big interest of mine, and I would have enjoyed helping others achieve their fitness and wellbeing goals.
You like to keep active at the gym. Is that where you do your best thinking, or how do you switch off after a busy day?
The gym is how I switch off after a busy day. Conveyancing requires a lot of concentration, so exercising gives me an opportunity to clear my head and reset. It helps me maintain a good balance and return to work feeling refreshed.
What is something about you that colleagues might be surprised to learn?
I think most of the colleagues on my team in particular are aware, but I'm an identical twin, and we both work in the same profession, my brother is a solicitor specialising in residential conveyancing also.
Looking Ahead
Now that you have qualified, what are you most looking forward to in this next chapter as a CILEx Lawyer?
I am looking forward to being able to focus fully on progressing my career without the added pressure of studying. I am also excited to have more quality time to spend with my lovely wife, children and wider family, whose support has been invaluable throughout my journey.
In one line, what would you say to someone considering Russell & Russell as the place to build their legal career?
Russell & Russell is a fantastic place to build a legal career, and the support provided while studying alongside work is unmatched. I was given study leave when needed, and when I reached the final qualifying stage, my supervisor, David Kitchen, responded promptly to every query and provided the guidance I needed to get my qualification over the line.
Client Feedback for Gulrez Khan
“I recently had the pleasure of working with Gulrez Khan for my remortgage, and I couldn't be more satisifed with the service I recieved. From start to finish, everything was handled with professionalism, efficiency, and clear communication. Gulrez was always approachable and took time to explain each step of the process in a way that was easy to understand. Any quesions I had were answered promptly, which made the whole experience feel smooth and stress free. What really stood out was the attention to detail and commitment to getting things done quickly without compromising on quality. I always felt confident that my case was in safe hands. I would highly recommend Gulrez Khan to anyone looking for a reliable and knowledgeable solciitor for remortgage services.” – Adil
Please note that this article is meant as general guidance and not intended as legal or professional advice. Updates to the law may have changed since this article was published.