CILEx graduates take oath

The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) recently held its annual graduation ceremony, with new CILEx members celebrating their new status as qualified lawyers. Nearly 500 CILEx members achieved lawyer status during 2012, of which 150 attended the ceremony and received their scrolls over two days of ceremonies held in Bedford.

The graduates undertook the Chartered Legal Executive Oath, promising to protect their independence and act with integrity. CILEx lawyers, along with notaries public, are the only lawyers in England and Wales to recite an oath upon qualifying.

Elevated to special status were the three recipients of medals also presented at the ceremony. The first was to Ruth Hendry, as the CILEx student who achieved the highest exam marks in his/her year. The second went to Minster Law, as an employer that has shown exceptional support to CILEx members. The third medal - the president's medal - went to Brian Havercroft as the CILEx member who has gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Helen Grant MP, justice minister and minister for women and equalities, was at the ceremony. She praised the transferable skills of CILEx fellows and encouraged them to "work hard and aim high". She also said: "I am pleased to say that CILEx is one of the only approved regulators to have adopted a flexible approach for entry into law. This approach has produced some great results and it is encouraging to see that 74% of CILEx members are women, while 36% of student members are from black and minority ethnic backgrounds."