In 2017 CILEx Regulation carried out its first diversity survey of its entire regulated community. The excellent number of responses has enabled CRL to better understand diversity and see some possible emerging trends. See the full report here and a key findings infographic below.
Points we identified from our survey
We noticed that fewer respondents at the Graduate grade are over 35 years compared with other grades of membership. We will consider carrying out work to identify reasons for this and any barriers that may be preventing people progressing.
We regulate businesses as well as individuals. We will consider developing ways of encouraging and supporting regulated members to run their own businesses, regardless of background.
We are starting work to identify any barriers to progression from Graduate grade to Chartered Legal Executive grade for BME members.
We will look at the possibility of research into disability in the 16-24 age group, understanding this group’s needs and if they differ from other age groups.
Our priority for 2018
Our priority within our business plan for 2018/19 is option number 3. We will report on this piece of work in 2019.
History of the CILEx Group
1892 First recorded meeting of 291 managing clerks at The Girdlers Hall, City of London.
1928 Solicitors Managing Clerks Association incorporated to regulate and shape a career structure for this branch of the legal profession.
1963 Creation of the “Institute of Legal Executives” and the new type of lawyer, a “Legal Executive”.
2007 CILEx was recognised as an Approved Regulator under the Legal Services Act.
2008 CILEx Regulation, previously ILEX Professional Standards, was established as the independent frontline regulator for CILEx.
2012 The Institute gained Chartership and became the “Chartered Institute of Legal Executives”, or CILEx, now a major legal association serving around 20,000 members.
What others say about CILEx and diversity
“When I was asked to come and give a speech at this event, I jumped at the chance. The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives is an organisation that is close to my heart for one very simple reason; it provides a route into the legal profession and, increasingly, the judiciary, to people from non-traditional backgrounds.”
HHJ Jinder Singh Boora, Crown Court Circuit Judge, Speaking at CILEx’s 2017 Graduation and Admission Ceremonies
“On flexible entry routes, CILEx continues to provide an important pathway to qualification as a lawyer for those who have not been to university.”
The Social Mobility & Child Poverty Commission “State of the Nation” report in 2013
