New CILEx chief says ‘public interest’ is top priority

08 January 2015

In her first public statement as chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx), Mandie Lavin has reached out to the wider professional community to collaborate and work together in the public interest.

Mandie said: “Maintaining the confidence of the public in our work as professionals is paramount. I want to see Chartered Legal Executives and CILEx Practitioners working together with their colleagues in other professions to provide the best possible service to the public.

“This extends to us as professional associations as well; particularly in the legal sector where we have a great opportunity with so many new leaders taking up posts. We can use this unique moment to work together and think creatively on how to serve the public and the profession as a whole.”

Among her priorities is a drive for innovation in meeting the challenges of a fast changing market: “Recently, legal businesses have faced tough times, with an unrelenting pace of change. This year will see the first Chartered Legal Executive run law firms, which will, over time, shake up the market further and provide greater choice for consumers. Like any new business, these firms will need to be creative and innovative, and I will ensure that CILEx supports our members in these ventures. CILEx also has a wider responsibility towards the legal community as a qualifications provider. I want to ensure legal businesses and aspiring students can continue to rely on our qualifications to be rigorous, affordable and fit-for-purpose.”

Mandie also has the General Election in her sights: “I want to work together with the new Government, as they will undoubtedly pursue further changes to the justice system, and they must bring the legal profession with them as they do. Cuts to legal aid, increasing tribunal fees, and reduced legal advice availability are having a harsh impact on the operation of our courts and how justice works in this country. I want us to work together to overcome these obstacles and ensure the public are able to access justice in a timely, affordable and meaningful way.”

The full statement can be read here.

ENDS

Photograph: Mandie Lavin, CILEx chief executive

Biography
Mandie Lavin qualified as a nurse at Guys Hospital in 1987 before qualifying as a barrister. She was called to the Bar in October 1993 as a member of the Middle Temple. She spent three years in financial regulation at the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, and prior to that was director of fitness to practice at the UKCC (the predecessor to the Nursing and Midwifery Council).

Mandie went on to become director of fitness to practise and legal affairs at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, and was then named as director of the Bar Standards Board. She joined the General Optical Council as director of regulation in October 2011, and took up her post as chief executive of CILEx in January 2015.