Six made honorary CILEX Companions as over 260 members celebrate graduation

Six legal professionals have been appointed as Honorary Companions of CILEX in recognition of their significant contributions to the profession and support of CILEX’s mission.

The awards were presented at CILEX’s annual graduation ceremony on Saturday 19 October at the QEII Centre in London. The event welcomed over 1,100 members and guests, celebrating the achievements of 264 new CILEX Fellows, CILEX Lawyers, Advocates, Practitioners and CILEX Graduates.

The figures show how the CILEX path is an increasingly attractive route to a career in the legal field. The attendees were addressed by Trevor Sterling, senior partner at Moore Barlow and a multi-award-winning lawyer, who shared his insights on the future of the legal profession.

Honorary Companion status is awarded to those who have made a meaningful impact on the development or promotion of CILEX and its mission, and who embody its values of ensuring the legal profession is inclusive, progressive and adaptable to the evolving needs of consumers.

This year’s Honorary Companions are:

• Sam Froud, a commercial property specialist and partner at Birketts, who started as one of the firm’s first paralegals and qualified as a CILEX Fellow in 2018. He became the first non-solicitor to be made partner in 2023. Sam’s position is a testament to the value and potential of the CILEX route, showcasing that it is possible to reach the highest levels of the legal profession through dedication and determination.
• Rita Leat, former CEO of the Institute of Paralegals and founder of the Professional Paralegal Register and National Paralegal Awards, was recognised for her longstanding commitment to raising standards and supporting the legal profession, particularly paralegals.
• Doris Olulode, a former CILEX board member and current chair of Prostate Cancer UK, is celebrated for her leadership within CILEX and supporting its mission. Her tireless advocacy for equality and diversity has left a lasting impact across various sectors, particularly the auto industry where she was recognised as one of the 100 most influential women.
• Claire Parrott, managing partner of Tuckers Solicitors’ North-West and West Yorkshire regions, was honoured for her continued service to CILEX and her work promoting social mobility and justice within the legal sector. Claire’s position as managing partner not only demonstrates her capability and standing but also sets the standard for the level of role which can be achieved through the CILEX route.
• Louise Turner, a senior associate consultant lawyer and CILEX Fellow for over 13 years, was recognised for her contributions to advancing judicial diversity and her active involvement with the CILEX Foundation. She also serves as an advisor to the CILEX criminal law specialist reference group and is a dedicated advocate for the CILEX route to qualification.
• Donna Hart, a partner at Everys Solicitors and head of the family law team, qualified as a Fellow of CILEX in 2008 and was recognised for her outstanding contribution to the legal sector. A founding member of the Devon CILEX branch, she has received multiple awards, including the CILEX President’s Award and the Joyce Arram Memorial Award for Advancing the Legal Profession. Donna also mentors for local charities and students and is a trustee of Exeter Citizens Advice.

CILEX president Yanthé Richardson addressed the graduation audience, saying: “Now you have begun to climb the ranks and carve out successful careers for yourselves, it is important for you to know that there are no ceilings in your way. That there are many CILEX Lawyers out there who hold senior positions and whose success stories I hope will show you just what can be achieved.”