I love attending CILEx Graduation. It’s an opportunity to chat to graduates and Fellows face to face and share in the celebration of everyone’s achievements. The atmosphere this year was buzzing. Once gowned and the necessary hair, make-up, tie adjustments and photos had been snapped and sent to social media, a sense of excitement started to build. I was delighted to be introduced to so many friends and family members, bursting with pride. The tales of perseverance, dedication and hard work were constant and recurring.
One member I spoke to told me that she started to practise law over 10 years ago, initially starting down the barrister route. Following advice from CILEx and her peers she decided to switch to CILEx because it gave her everything she needed and she’s in a job that she loves. She thanked me for everything that CILEx as a Group has achieved and I really felt proud that the work we do offers opportunities to all. When I asked about future steps, she told me she would be applying for independent practice rights. I asked whether she felt regulation matters. Having worked so hard to reach a certain level she said that regulation gives her a sense of satisfaction that she has met a set of standards and has a responsibility to her clients to maintain those standards. “It’s what being a professional is all about”.
Before graduation started, I managed to chat to a few CILEx Council member Fellows. Here’s what they had to say about why regulation matters to them.