Case Studies | A CILEx Regulation Journey

Sian Turvey is a strong advocate of CILEx and the conveyancing practice rights qualification because it allows conveyancers with experience to qualify.

My legal experience began in 2004 at John Collins and Partners Solicitors in Swansea. I had graduated from University with an honours degree in History and decided to embark upon a legal career. I worked as a paralegal in the Commoditised Services Department when I heard about ILEX, as it was known at the time. I had previously enrolled on the GDL course but felt that ILEX was much better suited to my needs as it allowed me to learn but work at the same time. I became a Conveyancing Fee Earner at Howells Solicitors in 2007 until 2014 whereupon I gained a position as Head of Residential Conveyancing at Alexandra Chambers Lawyers in Swansea. At present I represent national housebuilders in all aspects of residential developments across South Wales.

I first heard about the possibility of gaining Practice Rights at the South West Wales CILEx branch practice rights roadshow. I am a firm advocate of CILEx and the new conveyancing practice rights qualification which allows conveyancers with experience to qualify.

The application process is stringent, as it should be. Practitioners assume great responsibility, therefore CILEx Regulation has to determine whether the applicant is capable. The form itself is lengthy however the CILEx Practice Rights handbook is extremely helpful as is the CILEx Regulation website.

I would recommend other CILEx members to apply for Practice Rights without hesitation! It allows members to have something to show for their years of hard work. It’s a fantastic feeling when you receive your practising certificate for the first time; it puts us on an equal footing with other legal practitioners as we should be! It is a very proud moment indeed.

Sian Turvey is a Chartered Legal Executive & CILEx Conveyancing Practitioner
at Robertsons Solicitors.