First for South Wales Legal Executive Lawyer

29 May 2009 pr015.09

A rising star in the South Wales legal community, legal executive Frances Edwards, has been elected as President of the Rhymney Valley Law Society, the first time a member of the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) has held this position.

Frances, who works for the Caerphilly law firm, Caswell Jones is an ILEX national Council member and one of the founder members of the South Wales Branch. She has been treasurer and Branch Chairman since 2005. She joined the Confederation of South Wales Law Societies in 2006 and was appointed a Junior Vice President in 2007.

Frances began her legal career at 17, working as a secretary for a firm of solicitors in Newport where she dealt with a wide range of cases including conveyancing, debts and family work. Following a career break Frances returned to work in the Family Department of a solicitors in Caerphilly,. While there she was encouraged to study to become a Legal Executive. She became a Member in 1998 and was granted Fellowship of the Institute in 2000. She joined the Family Team at Caswell Jones in 1995.

“This is an unexpected honour for me,” said Frances. “I am absolutely delighted. This is a first for ILEX in Wales and may well be the first time anywhere in the country a legal executive has been elected as a President of a local Law Society. I only hope that I can live up to the expectation.”

“As well as a personal achievement I believe it is also recognition of the increasing status of Legal Executives within the legal profession in Wales. I am fortunate to have had the continuing support of my family and colleagues and employers over the years.”

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Posted 29.05.09