First Yeovil Legal Executive Advocate Takes Centre Stage

29 May 2008 pr011.08

Louise Eaves, a Legal Executive lawyer with the Yeovil law firm, Morton Law Associates is one of the first Legal Executives in England & Wales to be trained as a Defence Legal Executive Advocate, and has already made a number of appearances in court.

As a Legal Executive Advocate, Louise will be able to offer a seamless service to clients taking their case right through the magistrates court and, in the case of appeals and bail applications, the Crown Court without the need to instruct a solicitor or barrister, something ILEX Fellows have not been able to do in the past.

‘I am delighted to be among the first in the country to qualify as a Defence Legal Executive Advocate,” says Louise. “This qualification will make a big difference to Morton Law as well as to me personally in having the ability to provide all aspects of criminal law advice, assistance and representation to our Clients.”

“I am delighted that Louise is one of the first Legal Executive Advocates to complete the training course and is now ready to hone her skills in court ”said ILEX President, Lesley Graham. ”And I am sure she will be the first of many.”

“Extended Advocacy Rights are something which ILEX has campaigned long and hard for. The expertise and knowledge of Legal Executives has long been recognised and Rights of Audience is the first of many forthcoming important changes within the legal profession that affect ILEX members and will enable them to broaden their areas of practice and status.”

Speaking on behalf of Morton Law Associates Ltd, Sam Morton stated, “I am delighted that Louise has obtained this qualification; she has sacrificed a great deal of time and effort and I am aware that the accreditation process was very demanding. However, I am sure that everybody will benefit from her new Rights of Audience and look forward to seeing more of her in the Magistrates Court. ”

In October 2007,Altior Training, based in Cardiff, became the first ILEX accredited organisation to deliver training courses and assessments to members enrolled under the revised ILEX Advocacy Qualification Scheme. Over 400 ILEX Fellows and Members have already expressed an interest in obtaining rights of audience and in the training to become advocates.

Prior to enrolling onto the demanding and intensive six-day course, participants have to apply to ILEX for a Certificate of Eligibility which requires them to show that they have the necessary level of legal knowledge and experience before they can undertake the course.

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