News feature

First Chartered Legal Executive appointed to LSB

The Lord Chancellor has just announced the appointment of Stephen Gowland as a new non-lay member of the Legal Services Board (LSB). Stephen is the first Chartered Legal Executive to be appointed to the LSB. The appointment is for a four-year term, with effect from 1 August 2020 until 31 July 2024.

Stephen began his career as an apprentice and qualified as a CILEx Lawyer whilst working full time. He sat on the CILEx board for 10 years as well as serving as CILEx President in 2013/2014.

Professor Chris Bones, Chair of CILEx, said: ‘It’s important that the LSB has direct access to the perspective of Chartered Legal Executives, one of the three main branches of the profession, so Stephen’s appointment is a significant landmark for both the LSB and CILEx. It was about time the LSB looked beyond solicitors and barristers.

‘On a personal level, the appointment reflects Stephen’s significant experience in the ÿeld of professional services regulation. Stephen has long been an advocate of the CILEx route into the law and at a time when diversity is so high on the agenda, his voice will add a valuable perspective.’

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