Attendees heard from Anita Arscott Brookes, a learning and development consultant with over 25 years’ experience helping organisations enhance their people development strategies.

She delivered a powerful session on overcoming imposter syndrome and afterwards members were able to share experiences and build valuable connections, as well as meeting CILEX past presidents Emma Davies and Frances Edwards.

In addition to hearing from guest speakers, CILEX’s Connect and Grow events are designed to give members the opportunity to meet, network and learn from other CILEX members in their area. Whether you are just starting out or are an experienced member, these events offer the opportunity to expand your professional network and gather fresh insights and practical tips. 

Go to the CILEX events page for more information on upcoming events in Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield and London.

Save the date – upcoming CILEX events 

CILEX has three exciting events lined up for this year that you won't want to miss. These events are your chance to celebrate achievements, expand your network and stay ahead in your profession.

National Paralegal Awards – Thursday 18 September 2025, The Burlington Hotel, Birmingham. The awards recognise the best in the paralegal profession. Open for nominations on 1 April, check out the award categories for this year and get ready to celebrate outstanding talent.

CILEX Graduation & Admissions Ceremony – Saturday 18 October 2025, The QEII London (by invitation only). A proud moment for newly qualified professionals – join us to honour the next generation of legal talent.

CILEX Conference – Thursday 13 November 2025, Birmingham Conference and Event Centre. This will be an unmissable day of learning, networking and insights into the future of law.

Don't miss out. Save the date and register your interest today, to be the first to hear updates, news and registration details.

CILEX Foundation – 2025 funding rounds announced

The CILEX Foundation is once again offering scholarships and bursaries to support aspiring and current legal professionals on their CILEX journey.

Bursaries

Bursaries are available to support your CILEX studies. If you are a current CILEX member in England or Wales and need financial support to continue your studies, you may be eligible for a CILEX Foundation Bursary.

Bursary applications open on Thursday 27 March. If you miss this, there will also be a second bursary window later in the year.

Scholarships 

If you are new to CILEX and ready to take the next step in your legal career, there are two fantastic scholarship opportunities available.

The CILEX Lawyer Scholarship encourages aspiring legal professionals or early career legal staff to study the full CILEX Lawyer qualification. Full funding is available to allow candidates to complete their CILEX qualifications and qualify as a CILEX Lawyer.

The CILEX Foundation Launchpad to Law Scholarship allows those with minimal or no legal work experience to explore life in the legal profession, at a pace that suits them. By combining initial course funding with career enhancing and personal development opportunities, they are given a head start in their early legal career.

Scholarship applications open on Friday 2 May 2025.

The CILEX Foundation support team will be running online guidance sessions ahead of the application window, so look out for these.

For more information visit the CILEX Foundation website.

Member news

In November, Essex and Suffolk firm Ellisons strengthened its Colchester-based residential conveyancing team with the appointment of legal director and Chartered Legal Executive Marion Knocker. Ms Knocker is experienced in residential conveyancing, including freehold and leasehold transactions, remortgages, and new-build purchases.

November also saw Newport firm Bellavia & Associates appoint litigation assistant Jodie Rogers, a CILEX member who recently completed the first year of the CPQ.

In December, Durham firm Swinburne Maddison’s commercial property team hired CILEX paralegal Grace Robinson, while Crawley based Stevensdrake Solicitors welcomed Chartered Legal Executive Kristy Underwood to its family law team. Kristy is also an accredited mediator and has trained as a Resolution Together neutral lawyer.

Yorkshire firm Lupton Fawcett was joined by Thomas Rudd, a debt recovery executive currently working towards his CILEX qualification. At Dorset firm Frettens, Chartered Legal Executive Laura Mabin was promoted to conveyancing associate.

January saw senior solicitor at Derbyshire Law Centre Lisa Haythorne, who started her career as a Chartered Legal Executive, receive an MBE for services to homeless and vulnerable people.

Yorkshire firm Blacks Solicitors promoted Hayley Blackburn to senior associate in the corporate team. Hayley has been at the firm for more than seven years, starting her career at the firm as a paralegal before qualifying as a Chartered Legal Executive.

February saw Bournemouth’s Steele Raymond announce the appointment of Chartered Legal Executive Carrie Butterworth. She has over 10 years’ experience in family law.

In March, Warwickshire firm Brindley Twist Tafft & James expanded its risk and compliance team with the appointment of Chartered Legal Executive Rachel Gennard, who moved over from the litigation and clinical negligence team, where she had worked for the previous eight years.

 Chartered Legal Executive Samantha Armour was appointed managing partner for the western home counties at national family specialists Stowe Family Law. She joined the firm as part of Stowe's acquisition of Watson Thomas in 2023. Samantha has practised matrimonial law exclusively since 2008, working on high-profile and complex financial cases. She also specialises in unmarried couple disputes.

She is Stowe's second managing partner to qualify through CILEX.