Institute of Legal Executives
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) is a professional body in England and Wales to which all legal executives must belong as well as an examination board providing qualifications for legal executives, paralegals and legal secretaries.
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[edit] Origins
It was established in 1963 with the help of the Law Society to provide a more formal process for training so-called solicitors' clerks.
Traditionally solicitors' clerks were not formally trained in law but through experience had built up a working knowledge of specific aspects and could carry out legal paperwork as a fee earner.
[edit] Purpose
The institute set out to create a formal process for training legal support staff that would be recognised and respected in the legal community. This would give recognition to their skills and provide options for career progression.
[edit] What The Future Holds
Today legal executives are qualified lawyers in England & Wales and the institute works hard to improve their members role and standing in the legal profession. In recent years this role has expanded and continues to do so.
Legal executives have more responsibilities than ever before and their rights of audience continue to grow. For all intents and purposes an experienced legal executive is just as qualified and capable as a solicitor.
