Meet the team

CILEX’s Madeleine Rees explains her passion for public affairs, the satisfaction of achieving meaningful change for members and why she considers herself a Welsh cliché when it comes to her favourite pastimes

What are your roles and responsibilities?

As senior public affairs officer at CILEX, I advocate for the interests of our members, the legal profession as a whole and, as a chartered body, in the public interest. That means liaising with government bodies, engaging in policy advocacy, and ensuring the CILEX team and other key stakeholders are informed about legislative developments that may impact their work.

Tell us a bit more about your background? How did you come to work at CILEX?

The majority of my professional career has been in politics, where I gained valuable insights into the intricacies of policy development and the importance of effective advocacy.

I’m a creative person and, having spent some time in marketing, I learned the power of storytelling and how it can be harnessed to convey complex messages in a clear and persuasive way. In a role like this, you often have to combine detailed, industry-specific knowledge with effective storytelling to really show the real human impact of an issue and drive home the potential outcome of the solution you are putting forward.

When I spotted the CILEX public affairs role, over a year ago now, I was already familiar with the organisation as my best friend had studied with CILEX. I was passionate about public affairs and ready for a new challenge. After a thorough interview process, I was delighted to find myself in a really positive, small but hardworking team with a wealth of experience between us – I haven’t looked back since!

What is a typical day like for you?

Generally a blend of meetings, monitoring and communication. We work remotely so I really enjoy it when I get the chance to meet with colleagues and members in person, most recently at the Labour Party conference events.

What are you working on at the moment?

Party conference season has just come to an end but we’re continuing to actively engage with all political parties to ensure that CILEX and the legal profession remain a priority on their agendas leading up to the next general election. We’re also staying up-to-date with the latest developments in how each party is planning to tackle the issues facing the legal sector. Although we have achieved significant legislative change this year and have government commitment to more, we must keep our eye on the ball and ensure pressure is sustained to make those changes happen. As well as that, we are looking to 2024 and the public affairs strategy to support CILEX’s corporate objectives.

My highlights for the year have been seeing the Powers of Attorney Bill and the statutory instrument expanding judicial eligibility to CILEX members pass through Parliament, leading to many more opportunities for CILEX members and two steps further toward a legal system that is genuinely representative of the community it serves.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The best part is the opportunity to effect meaningful change in the legal profession while being part of a passionate and dedicated group – it's incredibly rewarding to collaborate with colleagues who share a deep commitment to our mission. We work together to advocate for our members and the broader legal community.

One of the most inspiring moments of the year so far was the London Legal Walk. Seeing so many people come together for something so meaningful was powerful. I find great satisfaction in knowing that the work we do, both individually and as part of our collective culture, has a direct impact on shaping policies and legislation that can improve the lives of legal professionals and the accessibility of justice for all.

What do you like to do away from your job to relax / have fun?

I’m a bit of a Welsh cliché, so naturally I play rugby, which takes up most of my Sundays. I’m based in Cardiff, which is only 30 minutes away from some brilliant beaches for dog walks, surfing or an evening dip! I’ve also recently joined the Women in Public Affairs executive committee, where I volunteer to organise events here in Wales and as well as helping out with marketing in general.