Meet the team

Lynne Squires will be a familiar face to many members. Here, the membership director talks to us about her enduring relationship with CILEX

What is your role and responsibilities?

I have a broad portfolio relating to all things members. As membership director, I set the direction of and oversee the entire membership function, which includes delivering a valuable membership proposition, maintaining professional standards and membership growth.

I have a small team responsible for a range of projects, such as enhancing member experience, professional development support and guidance, development of member networks, and delivery of member events.

I am also the CILEX business partner for the Professional Board, a committee of the CILEX board, which provides a direct link to the membership and helps to ensure the member perspective informs policy and strategy.

Tell us about your career history and your route into CILEX?

Over 25 years ago, I was working as an office manager in a Cardiff law firm when a fax came through from the local college about CILEX night classes (ILEX as it then was). My then boss said, “You should go for this, it would be good for you”. That was in 1998 and the rest is history, as they say.

I was lucky in that the firm fully funded my studies and supported me all the way, being generous with time off for study and allowing use of the office to host team revision sessions. My son was five at the time and having the space and support was a real help to me. It was only later that I realised just how lucky I was to have received such support from the start.

Six years later, just before I reached the Fellowship stage, I discovered my dream job: promoting CILEX in Wales. My first thought was, "I could do that!". I had such a positive experience with CILEX and wanted to share it with more people.

From Wales, my region expanded to include the South-West before my role became national, focusing more on business development. I was heavily involved in the creation of the CPQ, using my knowledge and experience gained in the field to inform the development process.

Post-Covid, I spent a year with the Access to Justice Foundation, which provided a valuable opportunity to explore a different aspect of the profession outside of CILEX. However, I returned because I felt there was still more to achieve and that I could make a meaningful contribution to CILEX.

I have genuinely lived the CILEX experience and, along the way, encountered every negative comment imaginable. However, I’ve also witnessed a significant shift in understanding, recognition and positivity towards CILEX, and it is this transformation that continues to motivate me.

What is a typical day like for you? 

There is no typical day. Because of my long history with CILEX, I am often the go-to person for queries. Past President Emma Davies, calls me the ‘oracle of CILEX’ and I am always happy to answer anyone’s questions about CILEX, so that can take up a fair bit of time!

Members are at the centre of what we do and I am truly focused on turning aspiration into reality. I never lose sight of the fact that the CILEX journey can be a disparate and solitary route; it’s not like going to university where you have a group of peers who remain your group for the entirety of your studies, so we are the constant for our members as they embark on their development journey.

I am constantly focused on how, as their chosen career partner, we turn members’ aspirations into reality. It’s not a linear journey and we know life gets in the way and so we must be the steady constant.

As such, a vital part of the work is ensuring that members are kept as connected as possible. Member events are a vital and growing part of this. We now have our annual conference, regional meetings, national awards and of course, graduation.

What are you working on now? 

The transition from the Institute of Paralegals has been a big focus as we look to expand and professionalise our offer and opportunities for paralegals. Traction for the CPQ is also gathering pace. Employers are understanding and enjoying the benefits of the CPQ route and results are good, so that remains a big focus.

Plus we have launched apprenticeships this year in England and Wales, and CILEX remains the only legal apprenticeship route in Wales.

I continually strive to ensure the lived experience of all members is heard, regardless of who they are and at what stage of their journey they’re on. As the CILEX route isn’t linear, we need to flex and grow with every individual and I keep that as a constant focus for my work.

What do you most enjoy about your role? 

Well, there’s obviously not just one thing! Graduation is the best day of the year – there is nothing better than celebrating success with members and having the opportunity to thank their supporters and encourage next career steps.

I’ve crafted a unique role for myself inspired by my own graduation experience in 2014, when I felt uncertain about when and where to step onto the stage. Now, I make it my mission to speak with every graduate before they walk onto the stage to collect their scroll.

I give every single one a mini pep talk to encourage them to appreciate the moment, as it goes by so quickly. As I walk up and down the line, I remind them: “No prize for speed—let your family take photos.” I know they’re nervous – there was no one guiding me at the steps. So I emphasise taking it slow, cherishing the experience and delivering that encouragement.

No rushing—just steady, meaningful moments because this truly matters, this is the moment they have worked so hard for, we know that, and they deserve that time to take it all in.

I take immense pride in the positivity surrounding the CILEX route. While there are detractors – often fuelled by snobbery or misunderstanding – it’s the people who truly make it special. I’m fortunate to work with a fantastic team. We may not have the largest budgets like some other providers, but we consistently punch above our weight and make things happen. We’re all driven by a genuine belief in the value of what we do and what CILEX offers.

I especially love when, for example, employers, without being prompted, share how they’ve integrated the CILEX route into their pathways and express their appreciation for having CILEX professionals on board. They recognise that these individuals hit the ground running, bringing practicality and efficiency to the job and the most forward-thinking make comments like “Why would we treat them differently?”

When you’re not working, how do relax? 

I have three dogs: a three-year-old Labrador named Peter, a seven-year-old Mini Schnauzer named Bryn, and an 11-year-old cross between a terrier and a Schnauzer named Betty. I live between Cardiff and Barry Island, so I often take the dogs to Barry beach for walks.

I also enjoy pub quizzes and the occasional beer or wine — sometimes those two activities go hand in hand, and sometimes they don’t! This year has been all about concerts, with highlights including Billy Joel in both New York and London, as well as performances by Kylie and Shania Twain, amongst others.