CILEx
SRG Advisers
SRG Advisers are recruited from the general SRG membership and deployed on specific practice matters, ensuring that technical policy matters, in particular, are accurate and relevant.
They also represent CILEx at national fora and on working groups and advisory panels to directly influence government and other policymakers from organisations such as HM Land Registry, the Ministry of Justice or HM Courts and Tribunals Service.
Being a CILEx SRG Adviser not only helps our members impact important policy positions, but also provides Advisers with access to important working groups and government departments, presenting their solutions to internal and external audiences.
CILEx is proud of the hard work and dedication that our Advisers provide to us within their voluntary role, and we would like to take a moment to shine a spotlight on some of them.
Private Client Lawyer, Belvederes Solicitors
David Isbister FCILEx: Private Client Adviser
Being a CILEx Adviser has allowed me to engage with policy and decision-makers at the Ministry of Justice, HMCTS [HM Courts and Tribunals Service] and the Royal Courts of Justice. It brings opportunities to engage with and provide CILEx views on issues that affect private client lawyers and those engaged in ADR [alternative dispute resolution] at a very early stage in policy and legislation changing processes. It also provides a rare opportunity to develop personally as well as professionally. CILEx provide a great deal of support to its advisers and it is both privilege and pleasure to represent CILEx in these matters.
ADR Liaison Committee | Law Commission: Making a Will Advisory Group | Professional Engagement Group: HMCTS Online Probate Forms | CILEx Qualification Focus Groups
Equity Partner, OWN Solicitors
Kirsty Wright FCILEx: Criminal Practitioner Adviser
My role as CILEx Adviser is both challenging and rewarding. It enables me to represent and support the CILEx community, using my background and experience to help raise the CILEx profile. I am given the opportunity to contribute towards matters of importance both within and outside of CILEx and my usual area of practice. I have met and interacted with senior legal and other professionals (for example, within the Ministry of Justice). I am happy the role also allows me to give something back to CILEx, the body that has aided and facilitated my qualification, and continues to support my professional development.
MoJ Criminal Practitioner Working Group | MoJ Criminal Legal Aid Review | HMCTS Audio-Video Technology: Implementation Review | CILEx Qualification and Ethics Focus Groups
Director, Pirie Palmann
Heather Keates FCILEx: Conveyancing Adviser
The conveyancing industry has faced some enormous challenges during my career, especially over the last few months. I am grateful that my role as an SRG Adviser has allowed me to be a proactive voice for change for the better. Through my liaison with CILEx, I have been fortunate to have direct input into consultations with Government, and other stakeholders, over important issues such as leasehold reform and the recent production of industry-specific guidance for conveyancers during lockdown. It is a privilege to collaborate closely with the CILEx Policy Department, and to speak up for those working on the frontline. It is incredibly rewarding personally and professionally to find my opinions are not only well received, but also taken into consideration.
Home Buying and Selling: Leasehold Advisory Sub-group | Contributions to COVID-19 Government Guidance and Sector Guidance | Law Commission: Leasehold and Commonhold Reform
Senior Associate, Foot Anstey
Yanthe Richardson FCILEx: Conveyancing Adviser
My role as a CILEx Adviser has brought me opportunities I could never have imagined. It has truly given me the chance to influence change in conveyancing practice and to drive forward innovation, speaking directly to the Land Registry and Government and having input on policy at a very early stage. It has not only been rewarding to assist CILEx and to push for increasing recognition of CILEx Lawyers, but the role has also allowed me to increase my own experience and to raise my own profile. CILEx have offered me tremendous support throughout and I am excited about the opportunities still to come during my tenure. I am extremely proud to be a Fellow of CILEx and honoured to have been chosen to represent them at such high levels.”
Land Registry Advisory Council | Home Buying and Selling Group | Land Registry Industry Panel | Contributions to work on Lender Panels and Electronic ID
Court Advocate, Slater and Gordon
Gary Claeys FCILEx: Civil Court User Adviser
Being a CILEx Special Adviser has enabled me to meet face to face with key policymakers from the Ministry of Justice, Bar Council and Law Society, together with other representative groups in the field of the civil courts and tribunals. It has enabled me to channel the concerns of members to them and feedback information to CILEx. In this role, I feel I am able to exercise a very influential role in keeping the Ministry of Justice aware of the needs of members, particularly during the current Covid-19 pandemic.
MoJ Civil Practitioner Working Group | HMCTS Audio-Video Technology: Implementation Review
Our five SRG Advisers above illustrate a diverse range of practice areas; however, we have plenty more for you to learn about. Follow the link to our SRG Adviser webpage here and find out more about our 15 current Advisers.