Public service

New CILEX Chair Eileen Milner considers how her experiences in the public and commercial sectors have shaped her outlook, her first impressions of CILEX and its membership, and her ambitions as she takes on her new role

As I write this, my first column in the Journal, I am mindful that as someone who is so new to the organisation and also not a lawyer by background, that I am contributing to a publication that is read by you as members and that you have deep domain knowledge and expertise across many areas of the law and legal practice.

I therefore thought that it might be better to begin by telling you a little about myself and sharing some of the experience that I have and am observing in my working life, that make me so passionate about our mission and purpose to act in the public benefit and improve access to justice.

Supporting citizens

I have had a career that has broadly spanned three pillars – working in public service, principally in health and education; as an academic, both teaching and researching in areas around the reform of public services; and finally, in the commercial sector, considering how technology could be better used in public services.

“Wherever I have worked, it has always been in the sphere of considering how citizens and most especially those facing the greatest challenges, can be better served and supported” 

You will see that there is a bit of a theme coming through! Wherever I have worked, it has always been in the sphere of considering how citizens and most especially those facing the greatest challenges, can be better served and supported.

As part of my public service roles, I have often had large legal functions working as part of my organisation. These are people typically of exceptional intellect, commitment, expertise and the insight to provide the very best services. I know from having had the chance to speak to a number of you, our CILEX members, that the way in which you approach your work mirrors and matches my experience of being supported, guided, advised and sometimes challenged by those who are in legal teams.

Independent governance

When approached about taking on the role of chairing the board of CILEX, I was appropriately thoughtful about what I could evidentially bring to the organisation. Whilst it is always critical to focus on the experience and track record you may have – and I have had some considerable experience as a chair – it is equally important to consider what else you may bring that is likely to represent an opportunity for further strengthening CILEX and building upon all the hard work that has been done over generations.

In this respect, I would draw out that I am always ambitious for organisations, those they serve and those who work within them; that environments of stretch and opportunity are identified and worked towards to best effect. I am someone who will not seek to avoid identifying and addressing challenges – in fact, this is the first duty of good, independent governance.

Most of all, in addressing you, our members, I want to make clear that I am ambitious on your behalf. Many of you have career histories that are a testament to your commitment, personal resilience and confidence that you can make a difference in your chosen practice of the law. As your professional body, we have to walk alongside you and ensure that we continue to challenge prejudices that have prevailed in the legal profession. This is not because we are looking for special treatment but rather, because equality and parity of treatment and esteem, are core principles of good law.

We will no doubt have many conversations in the coming months and years but, for now, let me end by saying that in my short acquaintance with CILEX, I can honestly say that I have heard so much that has made me proud of all that you do and all that you bring to the legal landscape.