Lift-off for the new ILEX Devon
Branch
23 November 2009 pr042.09
It was smiles all the way, as some 50 invited
guests, including the Lord Mayor of Exeter, the President and Chief
Executive of the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) and
representatives from some of Devon's large legal community,
attended the launch of the ILEX Devon Branch held at Michelmores
LLP at Woodwater Park, Pynes Hill Exeter last Saturday (21st
November).
The newest branch in the ILEX network aims to
enhance the role and standing of Legal Executives in Devon's legal
community. It has been created in response to many requests from
the 2,400 plus ILEX members in the South West and has the backing
and support of the ILEX President, Judith Gordon-Nichols. The
launch of the new Branch was supported and sponsored by Devon law
firms Michelmores LLP, Hooper & Wollen, Hartnell Chanot &
Partners and Rundlewalker.
Over the coming weeks the new committee:
Chairman, Mark Stokes from Hooper & Wollen; Vice Chair, Alison
Starkey from Michelmores LLP; Treasurer, Emma Strudwick from
Rundlewalker and Secretary, Donna Hart from Hartnell Chanot
& Partners will be putting together a programme of activities
and events, both business and social for the branch members.
"As well as the social events, which are vital
part of any branch, we aim to increase local recognition of Legal
Executives, their knowledge and skills and the important role they
play in the legal community in this region," said the new Branch
Chairman, Mark Stokes. "By establishing this Branch, we are
providing a focus and stimulus for the large number of ILEX lawyers
who are employed in fee earner work in the Devon area. Legal
Executives can now become Partners in law firms and apply to become
a Judge, so at last our hard work is being recognised."
The Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) is a
professional body which represents 22,000 trainee and practicing
Legal Executive lawyers throughout England and Wales. It offers
career support, education and training to its members while
maintaining professional standards of conduct. It is
recognised by the Ministry of Justice as one of the three core
routes to becoming a qualified lawyer. Legal Executives are lawyers
who have gained their qualifications through studying and working
at the same time allowing them to gain practical experience while
qualifying.
Posted 24.11.09