Justice Secretary confirms CILEx Fellows can stand to be Judicial Appointments Commissioners

10 April 2013

Secretary of State for Justice, Chris Grayling MP, has confirmed that Chartered Legal Executives will be eligible to apply for the Judicial Appointments Commission posts reserved for members of the legal profession.

The letter to CILEx President Nick Hanning stated that secondary legislation would be used to amend existing legislation regarding the number and composition of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), and will recognise Fellows of CILEx alongside members of the Bar and Law Society.

Nick Hanning greeted the announcement, saying: “This is a welcome step forward in recognising the professional standing of Chartered Legal Executives, and is particularly timely having recently submitted our applications for further independent practice rights for our members. We will encourage our members to consider applying for these opportunities as they arise, and I hope the spirit of opening up the legal sector and expanding opportunities for those from all backgrounds, including our diverse membership, will continue as our rights applications are considered.”

Fellows of CILEx, known as ‘Chartered Legal Executives’ have been eligible for judicial appointments since 2008, and District Judges since 2010.

ENDS