Millicent Grant honored at National Paralegal Awards for diversity efforts

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The National Paralegal Awards, hosted by CILEX, took place last week (Thursday 5 September) in Birmingham and recognised 12 individuals and three businesses, celebrating the epitome of paralegal talent. This year marked the event’s sixth anniversary.

Among the winners was Millicent Grant KC (Hon) who received the outstanding achievement award in recognition of her continuous efforts to make the legal profession accessible to all. Speaking about her 2017 appointment as the first Black president of CILEX, Grant said: “I broke the glass ceiling when I became the first Black president of CILEX and I hope I will see the wonderfully talented individuals that celebrate alongside me today celebrating more career-defining moments which they so truly deserve.”

The CEO of CILEX, Craig Hamer praised Grant for being “a torchbearer for those who traditionally have been locked out of the legal industry due to their background or heritage”. Hamer added: “Her continuous work via the Millicent Grant Scholarship and multiple supporting roles continue to unlock that door and define the future of our sector.”

After being awarded, Grant highlighted her “ambition to continue publicly demonstrating why paralegals should not be overlooked and why they should be championed as an asset to the legal sector”. In 2007, Grant became the first non-white President of a UK legal professional membership organisation after spending more than 30 years as a legal executive.

Other winners included Hannah Grinsted (National Paralegal of the Year) who rose from having no legal qualifications or experience to becoming a senior paralegal in Tozers LLP’s medical negligence team for the past eight years. Meanwhile, the award for National Paralegal Business of the Year was awarded to Fraser and Fraser.