Graduation Day
Earlier this week I had the pleasure of meeting over 200 new
Fellows of the Institute and their families at the the annual
Graduation Day in Bedford. Here is my speech to them.
Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen –
May I welcome you all to Bedford, the Corn Exchange and the 2009
Graduation Day. And an extra special welcome to all the
graduates who are here today.
Today is about celebration –– a day when we come together to
celebrate your achievements and see those achievements recognised
through Fellowship of the Institute.
Looking around the auditorium I am delighted to see so many
families and friends here today. It is right that they should
justly proud of what you have achieved, but you in turn should be
just as proud of them.
From personal experience I know how difficult it is to juggle
study, revision, a full-time job and family life! The need to study
often impacts on that family life. So the help and support of
partners and families during this time is priceless. My
thanks to you all.
We know the ILEX route to a career in law is NOT an easy option.
At ILEX we set high standards and seek to maintain those
standards. ILEX courses are probably among the toughest for anyone
seeking a career in law.
Many of you will have made considerable sacrifices to
become Legal Executives. But the sacrifices and long hours of study
will have been worth it.
I am sure I speak for many when I say that ILEX has given
me the opportunity for a career that I perhaps would not otherwise
have had.
At the beginning of the year the government announced they were
setting up a panel to report back on the best ways to ensure
everyone, irrespective of background, gender or race, has access to
a career in the professions in the future, including law.
I have to confess that did cause a wry smile because that is
exactly what we have been doing since ILEX was founded in 1963. And
of course it should come as no surprise to any one here that is
exactly what we told government in our submission to them.
But today is not about studying. You are here today to celebrate
the end of studying and the continuation of a career that I hope
will last for many years.
As Fellows of the Institute you will build a relationship with
us that will last throughout your career and we will be here to
support you during those years.
As graduates, youare the new guardians of the ILEX tradition and
you are the way forward for the future. It will be to youthat we
look to maintain the ILEX traditions in the years to come and to
you we will look to continue to build on the foundations past
members have laid over the years. It will be your responsibility to
expand the reputation and standing of Legal Executives in the
future. I would hope some of you may even consider joining Council
to help develop ILEX in the years to come.
Since its foundation ILEX has been steadily developing the role
of the Legal Executive to the level we enjoy today and that work
continues.
In the past twelve months alone we have seen the creation of
ILEX Professional Standards which will regulate you.
Over 400 Associate Prosecutors from the Crown Prosecution
Service have become ILEX members; and perhaps one of the most
significant events for members since ILEX was founded –
the right to apply to become a judge.
The first ILEX appointment is still a little way off, but if
this is an ambition you hold for the future,
then do take advantage of the work shadowing schemes that are
available to give potential candidates a taste of life on the
Bench.
And just 21 days ago another significant event in the history of
ILEX - ILEX members became eligible for partnerships in law
firms. I am delighted to say that the first partners have already
been announced and I anticipate many more appointments in the
coming months.
Being a lawyer is being a member of an important, and rightly or
wrongly, a privileged profession.
There is hardly any aspect of life is not impacted on by law and
the legal process, which is why it is so much in the public
eye.
Law is about helping those people who need good quality legal
advice on the hundreds of everyday things that affect us. Sadly not
all those people will have easy access to legal advice and
therefore justice. There will be many who need help but cannot
afford it. Lawyers have a commitment to help those who are more
disadvantaged than yourselves through Pro Bono work. ILEX actively
supports this, so do get involved where you can, as your expertise
and advice may just be the difference which makes someone's life
that much better.
Finally, on behalf of all on the ILEX Council, I congratulate
you all on your achievements. I look forward to the
opportunity of talking with many of you later on.
Enjoy your day.
Posted 22.04.09