The new president wants to raise the profile of the CILEx route to qualification
How do you feel about being CILEx’s 54th president?
Honoured, and still quite amazed—having had no ambition when I joined the profession other than to do interesting work and do it well—and of course—to complete my qualification as a Legal Executive, I feel really proud.
Can you tell us a little about what the next 12 months are likely to bring for CILEx?
We will be promoting our new Judicial Development Programme, consulting with members on our proposed Group restructure and governance changes and continuing to lobby on issues that affect our members and their areas of practice.
What are your priorities/aims as president?
I will be focused on delivering progression in the profession for all CILEx members. I am proud to be the figurehead for a highly diverse membership of over 20,000 Chartered Legal Executive lawyers, other legal practitioners and paralegals and am a big believer, indeed an example, that there is more than one route into the law. Yet, there are many areas where challenges lie ahead, one of which is tackling the notable diversity issues in the judiciary.
CILEx has recently launched its Judicial Development Programme with the aim of supporting eligible Chartered Legal Executives to reach judicial positions. With the help of Diversity and Community Relationship Judges I hope to inspire members to consider the judiciary as their next career move.
I also want to raise the profile of the CILEx route to qualification. I think it is one of the best kept secrets. It’s time now for the CILEx route to qualification as a lawyer to become an ‘open secret’—a qualification recognised more widely outside the profession and one considered by those wanting a career in the law. It is long overdue.
CILEx is developing its support for members of all grades and levels of experience and I want to encourage members to engage with CILEx, join their local branches and, in particular participate in their special interest groups.
What was your own route into the profession, and what inspired you to go into the law?
I was inspired by a photograph of my uncle John Edwin Burke who came to England during the second world war to join the RAF. After the war, he qualified as a barrister at Middle Temple, then spent his entire career practising law in Nigeria. I grew up with that image and from a very early age wanted a career in the law. I left school with the intention of qualifying as a legal executive and started my journey as a junior secretary with Martin & Nicholson in King's Bench Walk, Temple.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
There is no one person in particular. However, I am inspired by those lawyers I meet who actively use their skills and knowledge to influence positive change within and outside the profession, especially those involved with charitable and altruistic endeavours.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
I would probably work in human resources—staff and organisational development in particular. It was something I considered at one of the crossroads I encountered on my journey to qualifying as a Chartered Legal Executive.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
Atticus Finch. In ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, Harper Lee portrayed a lawyer who was gentle, principled and strong. It’s quite a while now since I’ve read the book and seen the film but this is the impression of the character that has stayed with me.
How do you relax?
When I have the time, I like to read, and socialise with family and friends.
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