ILEX becomes CILEX

Justice minister Jonathan Djanogly presented the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives with a Royal Charter last week.

Fellows of the organisation, formerly known as ILEX, will now be called chartered legal executives. The Chartered Institute (CILEX) regards the new title as an important step in safeguarding the public, as it can only be applied to fully-qualified lawyers.

The Royal Charter does not extend to ILEX Professional Standards (IPS), which remains the regulator, or to the ILEX Tutorial College (ITC).

During the ceremony at the Ministry of Justice, Djanogly said: 'Legal executives make a valuable contribution to the legal industry and their commitment to providing the British public with legal services should be recognised.'

CILEX will continue in its unique role of providing a non-graduate route into the legal profession. Chartered legal executives can become partners in law firms, judges or advocates.

Susan Silver, CILEX president, said: 'It is our work out there in all communities which crosses the boundaries of all social backgrounds that has shone through.

'This is a time to trumpet our success and to be proud that every level of membership from students to chartered legal executive lawyers serves the community with integrity and unmitigated professionalism.'