Lift-off for the new ILEX Devon Branch

23 November 2009 pr042.09

It was smiles all the way, as some 50 invited guests, including the Lord Mayor of Exeter, the President and Chief Executive of the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) and representatives from some of Devon’s large legal community, attended the launch of the ILEX Devon Branch held at Michelmores LLP at Woodwater Park, Pynes Hill Exeter last Saturday (21st November).

The newest branch in the ILEX network aims to enhance the role and standing of Legal Executives in Devon’s legal community. It has been created in response to many requests from the 2,400 plus ILEX members in the South West and has the backing and support of the ILEX President, Judith Gordon-Nichols. The launch of the new Branch was supported and sponsored by Devon law firms Michelmores LLP, Hooper & Wollen, Hartnell Chanot & Partners and Rundlewalker.

Over the coming weeks the new committee: Chairman, Mark Stokes from Hooper & Wollen; Vice Chair, Alison Starkey from Michelmores LLP; Treasurer, Emma Strudwick from Rundlewalker and Secretary, Donna Hart from Hartnell Chanot & Partners will be putting together a programme of activities and events, both business and social for the branch members.

“As well as the social events, which are vital part of any branch, we aim to increase local recognition of Legal Executives, their knowledge and skills and the important role they play in the legal community in this region,” said the new Branch Chairman, Mark Stokes. “By establishing this Branch, we are providing a focus and stimulus for the large number of ILEX lawyers who are employed in fee earner work in the Devon area. Legal Executives can now become Partners in law firms and apply to become a Judge, so at last our hard work is being recognised.”

The Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) is a professional body which represents 20,000 Legal Executive lawyers, legal practitioners and paralegals throughout England and Wales. It offers career support, education and training to its members while maintaining professional standards of conduct. It is recognised by the Ministry of Justice as one of the three core routes to becoming a qualified lawyer. Legal Executives are lawyers who have gained their qualifications through studying and working at the same time allowing them to gain practical experience while qualifying.

Posted 24.11.09