‘You are the only person …

I have recently been the victim of a crime. My wife did not properly lock the door of the shed, and someone took the only thing they thought to be of any value: a Black and Decker workmate. So, to the man who dishonestly appropriated my Black and Decker workmate, with the intention of permanently depriving me of it, I say this: ‘Thank you, and may you accurately saw wood for all eternity.’

My point is that, for me, the theft of a Black and Decker workmate was maybe something of a relief, as I lost something I never wanted in trying to make me something I was never going to be, namely, a handyman, DIY enthusiast.

Unsung heroes and heroines

It is like that for many of our CILEx membership. We have over 20,000 members in England and Wales, with about 7,750 Fellows. However, we have a large cohort of Associates and Aÿliates , just over 4,000 of each making a total of around 8,000, who are content to do what they do in the legal profession. They do much fine work, which is often the bread and butter of many firms and legal providers up and down the country. They are the unsung heroes and heroines of the legal profession, not seeking personal glory or huge rewards but doing the day-to-day work that needs to be done. There is loads of work out there to be done, and often it is our members who do it year in, year out and day in, day out without praise or acknowledgement, but yet at the same time with professionalism and dignity.

As the splendidly named Zig Ziglar (I bet he hated listings in alphabetical order!) once said: ‘You are the only person on earth who can use your ability.’ It is very true, and the CILEx range of qualifications allows everybody that chance whatever their background.

Of what service can you be?

In a crowded legal profession, when many universities sell dreams rather than the foundation for realistic legal careers, we face many challenges. Working in the legal profession, in whatever capacity, can be hugely rewarding even in a fee-earning role when financially the rewards are not huge. Finding a niche for oneself can come with patience and perseverance, and finding a vocation in the law comes with a job satisfaction many others envy. As Vincent Van Gogh the artist, who is hardly noted for his philosophy, asked himself: ‘How can I be useful, of what service can I be? There is something inside me, what can it be?’

Many lawyers, of course, make all the effort to qualify only to end up as businessmen and women, service managers, sellers of legal services and even as the blunt tool of wealthy, aggressive clients. The contribution made by our members, of whatever grade or qualification, should not be overlooked. We have a qualification well adapted to the changing aspects of the legal profession.

In my view, some of the problems with the legal profession have been caused by those at the top taking too much in the way of financial rewards, with hardly a thought for their clients, the public purse, their fellow members of the legal profession or - dare I say it - even access to justice. The rewards at the top have been unsustainable to the extent of making many legal businesses, in the long term, simply not viable.