Celebrating Graduation in LLM (Master of Laws) with a Legal Practice Course (LPC)
At Bookers & Bolton, we know that no two legal careers look the same. Every member of our team brings their own diverse experiences, challenges, and ambitions, all of which help shape the way they support our clients.
Delyth Thomas’s journey is one we are proud to share and reflects her resilience, determination, and perseverance. From starting her legal career in South Wales to balancing work, university, caring for her parents, and raising two young children with additional needs, she has continued to pursue her ambition of becoming a solicitor without losing sight of what matters most.
Following her recent graduation with an LLM (Master of Laws) with a Legal Practice Course (LPC), we sat down with Delyth to talk about her career so far, what drew her to Bookers & Bolton, and the advice she would give to others following a similar path.
Delyth’s Journey into Law
Can you tell us about your journey into law and how your career has developed since graduating in 2014?
I gained my law degree back in 2014 and went straight into working for a Criminal Law firm in Cardiff as an office assistant for a set period as an apprentice. I then went on to work for various firms, finding my niche within their Property Departments. After the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to working from home, I took time out to have my first child. During this period, I soon realised that remote legal work would be better suited for my growing family.
I then joined TLS Solicitors in Cornwall within their property department, working fully remote from my home in South Wales. Sadly, my friend and colleague, with whom I worked very closely, passed away. This took a massive toll on me mentally, leading to the incredibly hard decision to leave the firm. However, during my time there, I made friends for life, and Cornwall has permanently become my absolute favourite place to visit.
Your career has included some very challenging personal moments. How did those experiences shape your outlook and influence your next steps?
Following this difficult period, I became a mother to my second child and took some well-deserved time out on maternity leave. While on leave, I stayed in contact with Paula at Bookers & Bolton Solicitors. Together, we discussed where I was currently at in my legal career, alongside the realities of my situation as a mother to two very young children.
Recognising my potential and understanding my family dynamics, Bookers & Bolton Solicitors offered me a Training Contract following my maternity leave. Crucially, they also offered me the opportunity to work part-time. This took into consideration that I am a mother to two small children who both have additional learning needs.
You have worked across several property departments throughout your career. How did those different roles help prepare you for where you are today?
I’ve spent several years working in different areas of the legal profession, from secretarial duties and file opening to legal assistant and fee earning work with my own matters within Conveyancing. This gave me valuable experience, from the grounding of legal practice to working up the ladder. Working with various areas and firms has also given me the opportunity to understand how a legal practice works and what is required of me.
Balancing Family Life, Work and Study
Alongside your career, you’re raising two young children with additional needs and supporting your parents. What has that experience taught you about resilience and determination?
Having children with additional needs is a constant challenge, and no two days are ever the same. My son has ADHD, and my daughter has a developmental delay, which requires demanding time for completely different sets of needs. Days can be utterly exhausting, and weekends can feel like an entire week!
With all this said, I also attend to my parents to help them with their daily needs, as they are both elderly and dealing with disabilities. However, I firmly stand by the principle that we were raised by our parents and feel it is deeply important to care for them in return.
You recently completed your LLM master’s in law and the Legal Practice Course whilst working and raising a family. What motivated you to take on that challenge?
While completing my training contract, I made the life-changing decision to go back to university. After years of battling self-doubt, I decided it was finally time to follow my dream of achieving my LLM master’s in law and completing the Legal Practice Course (LPC).
Juggling a rigorous postgraduate legal education, a demanding training contract, and a busy household was a monumental feat. There were late nights, endless cups of coffee, and moments where the mountain seemed too high to climb. But with the unwavering support of my little family, my university mentors, my close friends, and my colleagues at Bookers & Bolton, I pushed forward.
You’re currently completing your Training Contract and are due to qualify as a solicitor in January 2027. How has that journey been so far?
Today, I am incredibly proud to say that I have officially graduated with my LLM and completed my LPC. Looking back at the girl who started her journey as an office apprentice in 2014, I see how far resilience, determination, and the right support system can take you.
But looking back even further, this achievement means everything to the girl who did not do well at school. This is for the girl who was often bullied for being overweight, and who was told constantly that she would fail. To stand here today with a master’s degree in law is the ultimate proof that your past does not define your future, and the opinions of others cannot stop your drive.
How did it feel to finally graduate after everything you’ve balanced over the past few years?
It feels amazing to graduate at post-graduate level after everything I have balanced over the years. I am filled with so much happiness, but at the exact same time, I still find it so incredibly hard to believe that I’ve done it!
Juggling a master’s program, a training contract, two children with additional needs, and caring for my parents felt impossible at times. To see the hard work materialise is overwhelming in the best way possible.
Working at Bookers & Bolton
How has Bookers & Bolton supported you both professionally and personally throughout your Training Contract?
Bookers & Bolton have not just provided me with a training contract; they have given me the ability to still be a mother to my children, enjoy family time, and to have that work-life balance. Being part of this firm and team means I’m able to open up, express my feelings, and ask for help, whereas, from experience in the past, I’ve found this can be hard within this profession.
I look forward to giving back to the firm that has given me so much, and to continuing to serve our clients with the same dedication and resilience that got me to this graduation stage.
I want to extend a massive, heartfelt thank you to everyone at Bookers & Bolton Solicitors, and especially to Paula. Your unwavering support, belief in me, and willingness to provide a truly flexible, part-time path made this achievement possible. You didn’t just see a trainee – you saw a mother, a caregiver, and a professional, and you supported every side of me.
Advice For Others Following a Similar Path
Your route into law hasn’t always been straightforward. What advice would you give someone who doubts whether they’re capable of pursuing a legal career?
This graduation is not just a personal milestone – it is proof to my children that no obstacle is too big to overcome.
I do believe that if I can do it with the determination, drive, and passion, whilst juggling everything else in life, then I honestly believe in anyone doing the same. I always believe in, that life is very short and none of us know what is around the corner.
To anyone out there balancing family, caregiving, and a career while fighting their own self-doubt: believe in yourself. Your dream is entirely possible!
A Bit More About Delyth
Outside of work, how would your family describe you?
I’m from a little village in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, called Aberfan. I describe myself outside of work as a mother to my children and partner, and I enjoy making memories with my little family. I’m always busy, organising and planning events.
When you do manage to find some time for yourself, how do you like to unwind?
If I do have spare time with no plans, I attend the Old Drift Wellness Centre for contrast therapy, which allows me to take time out and reflect.
Looking Forward
Now that university is complete, I’m going to concentrate on my training contract with Bookers & Bolton Solicitors and look forward to qualifying as a solicitor, which will be my dream goal!
