CILEx Graduation and Fellowship Admission Ceremony 2019

Matthew Foster told the new graduates: ‘There’s no right or wrong way to choose your career path, just make sure that it is your way, and that it makes you happy. And as you go and open new doors for yourself, don’t forget to wedge them open for others to follow in your footsteps or, better yet, smash them off their hinges.

‘It will take hard work and preparation. Remember it takes more courage to champion change than to resist it … but if you take anything away from today, please let it be this: this opportunity is what you make of it, you can achieve anything you set your mind and heart to. That is in the spirit of all those who came before you, the trailblazers, who gave you this opportunity to shine. Be bold, be courageous, but most of all – be your best.’

Matthew Foster also thanked family and friends, on behalf of the graduates, for the support and encouragement that they have shown throughout their CILEx journey and welcomed them into the ‘extended CILEx family’.

Elizabeth Johnson, (pictured opposite) the first female Chartered Legal Executive to be appointed to the judiciary, holds the position of a Fee-paid Judge of the First-tier Tribunal assigned to the Social Entitlement Chamber. After qualifying in 1998, and with over 20 years’ experience as a personal injury specialist, Elizabeth Johnson shared her experiences of working as a Chartered Legal Executive and the journey that led her to apply to become a judge.

She told the audience: ‘The judiciary needs to be more diverse, there are more and more women in the lower ranks. We need more diversity across the board, both in gender and race.

‘Since being appointed, I’ve been asked whether being a woman has held me back, either as a lawyer or applying to be a judge. Personally, I didn't go looking for barriers. I suppose I trusted the process: that if I was good enough, I stood as good a chance as anyone else to be appointed, regardless of my gender or qualification.

‘As CILEx qualified lawyers, we are in a unique position in the legal world. At the point when we qualify, we already have a wealth of experience and skills behind us. But those skills need to be nurtured if they are to continue growing.

‘We have to do a good job, on every job, every time. Reputations are hard won and easily lost, so strive for excellence in everything you do.’

Reflecting on the ceremony, she said: ‘I really enjoyed the day. I met some really inspiring, hard-working lawyers, which has given me a real optimism for the future of CILEx lawyers. I've also been touched by all the lovely feedback I've had on social media, it's both humbling and encouraging to think that I've had a positive influence on the next generation coming through.’