LIZ Parker is a shining example of how to climb the career ladder.

She joined law firm Forbes & Partners as a clerk seven years ago without previous legal experience and is now an assistant solicitor with the firm's criminal law team.

Soon after joining the Blackburn-based practice, Liz decided she would like to pursue a new career in the law and spent the next four years studying part-time for a law degree at the University of Central Lancashire. After graduating, she continued to study full-time at Manchester Metropolitan University before being admitted as a solicitor last September.

"I couldn't have asked for more understanding employers," she said. "First they gave me the opportunity to advance my career but, most importantly, they really encouraged and supported me through more than five years of training."

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