Tony Clarke-Dearing, a learner with Law Training Centre, embodies resilience and a profound commitment to helping others. As a funeral director with a lifelong interest in law, Tony pursued the CLC Level 4 Diploma in Probate Law and Practice to better support families facing legal challenges after bereavement. Despite navigating memory loss and severe visual impairment, Tony has achieved remarkable success, recently being honoured as Paralegal of the Year 2024-2025.
Tony’s path to law was driven by a desire to assist families struggling with housing, benefits and probate issues. His approach combines compassion and research, ensuring families receive the guidance they need without excessive legal fees. “I’ve always been about helping people,” he shares, reflecting on his role as a paralegal and advocate for accessible legal support.
The decision to join Law Training Centre was transformative. After experiencing mixed responses from other training providers, Tony described his first interaction with Law Training Centre as “second to none”, particularly praising Student Services team members Paige, Debbie and his personal academic coach, Steven. Their unwavering support made Tony feel welcomed and valued. The team’s tailored assistance, from personalised communication to adaptive learning tools, empowered Tony to overcome obstacles and excel in his studies.
Tony credits Law Training Centre’s flexible learning approach with helping him balance full-time work and education. While his disabilities require specialised equipment and support from caseworkers, Tony remains undeterred. His gratitude to Law Training Centre even inspired him to nominate the centre for an award!
“Never be afraid to follow your dreams,” Tony advises, emphasising that Law Training Centre’s inclusivity and expertise make legal education accessible to everyone. His story demonstrates that, with the right support, barriers can be overcome, and aspirations achieved.
Today, Tony’s work extends beyond traditional legal roles, highlighting the evolving role of paralegals in providing affordable, high-quality legal services. His achievements are not only a testament to his resilience but also an inspiration to anyone considering a career in law.
