22 July 2021

Caroline Jepson takes over as CILEX President

Personal injury specialist, Caroline Jepson, takes over as President of CILEX (the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) today, championing the new CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ) as a flexible and affordable route into the law that will open the profession up to a more diverse talent pool. 

The 58th CILEX president, she takes over from criminal law specialist, Craig Tickner and will chair the board of CILEX Professional, which is primarily focused on advancing the profession’s interests. She also sits on the main board of CILEX, which is chaired by Professor Chris Bones who recently began a second term, to run until 2024. 

Speaking at the CILEX AGM on 22 July, Caroline said: 

“I consider myself to be a good example of what CILEX does well which is allowing people from diverse backgrounds who wouldn’t otherwise be able to become lawyers to have access to the legal profession. I went to a state school and didn’t go to university; neither did my parents. 

“The CILEX route into law generates a determination and passion that serves clients and the overall profession well. The drive to succeed is common amongst our members and together, we can make a powerful contribution to the quality and effectiveness of the legal system.” 

One of Caroline’s key priorities is to gain a greater understanding of the barriers faced by CILEX members to ensure they have the opportunity to progress in the profession – on a par with solicitors – and to instil the ambition and confidence in them to do so. 

Speaking at the AGM, CILEX Chair, Chris Bones reiterated CILEX’s determination to open up the profession and address the barriers faced by CILEX members in practising to the full benefit of their clients. 

Chris said: “I’d like to pay tribute to our immediate past president, Craig Tickner and congratulate Caroline on her inauguration. Like so many of our members, she has climbed the ladder the hard way, working throughout her studies and progressing from junior positions to holding senior roles within the legal sector. 

“Her determination reflects the stories of so many CILEX Lawyers who have been able to build a career as specialist lawyers by taking the CILEX route, an opportunity that opens up the law to a diverse talent pool that is far closer to the general population than other branches of the profession. 

“I look forward to working with Caroline to continue to break down the barriers faced by our members – from the longstanding snobbery too often demonstrated by the bar and the solicitor profession, to the legal barriers that see CILEX members, though equally qualified and able, barred from certain positions and activities.” 

Caroline’s legal career began when she joined Irwin Mitchell as a typist in the personal injury department. She soon began studying with CILEX and qualified as a CILEX Fellow, specialising in catastrophic injury claims. After 17 years practising in PI, she became a brain and spinal injury case manager before becoming a governance manager for a rehabilitation company. 

She is now operations director for a chain of gyms whilst also working part-time as a consultant case manager, specialising in brain injury claims.

ENDS 

For further information, please contact: 

Louise Eckersley, Black Letter Communications on 0203 567 1208
or email: [email protected] 

Kerry Jack, Black Letter Communications on 07525 756 599
or email: [email protected]