Justice minister Sarah Sackman to open CILEX annual conference

Justice minister and barrister Sarah Sackman KC MP will be opening the CILEX annual conference in Birmingham this year, sharing details of her legal career, her move into politics as well as her passion for justice and diversity within the legal profession.

She is speaking on Thursday 13 November at CILEX’s FutureLegal conference to be held at the Birmingham Conference and Event Centre.

Other speakers include Judge Fiona Monk, who will discuss her journey into the judiciary and give an insight into becoming a judge, and AI expert Alan King, who will look at how AI is reshaping organisations’ strategy, operations and culture.

If you are interested in learning from industry experts and trailblazers, are looking for advice on how to develop your career and would like to network with peers who understand the CILEX journey, you can find more information on the annual conference here.

National Paralegal Awards judging panel announces shortlist

Thanks to everyone who put forward entries for this year’s National Paralegal Awards, which celebrate the very best paralegals across the UK and the businesses that support them.

It was a record-breaking year, with over 100 submissions received across 17 categories, including three new awards – Best In-House Paralegal, Best Public Sector Paralegal and Paralegal of the Year – Wales.

The judging panel had a very difficult job due to the strong, high quality submissions entered by individuals and firms. CILEX is excited to reveal that the shortlist was announced on 11 July.

Click here for the full shortlist.

This year’s awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 18 September at the Burlington Hotel in Birmingham. You can find more information about how to book here.

CILEX hosts Connect and Grow events 

CILEX President Sara Fowler welcomes delegates in Manchester

At the beginning of the year, CILEX launched a new ‘Connect and Grow’ event series with the aim of meeting more of our members and supporting them with their careers and professional growth.

Following the success of February’s Cardiff event, Connect and Grow has since visited Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield and London.

Anita Arscott-Brookes delivers an insight session in Bristol

They have included sessions on overcoming imposter syndrome, how to learn more about yourself to understand and work better with others, and how to use LinkedIn for professional growth.

Attendees have recommended the events, finding them “insightful” and an opportunity to “open your mind”, as well as a chance to meet other CILEX local members.

CILEX plans to develop the series further in 2026, so keep an eye out for more details.

CILEX graduation and admissions ceremony

CILEX’s graduation and admissions ceremony will take place on Saturday 18 October 2025 at the QEII Conference Centre in London.

Attendance at the ceremony is by invitation only for those who have achieved a new member status in the last year. If that applies to you, keep an eye on your inbox and come along to celebrate your achievement with your fellow CILEX graduates.

CILEX partners with career guidance provider Unifrog

 

CILEX had partnered with career guidance provider Unifrog to offer teachers and careers guidance professionals with information on the CILEX routes into law.

Unifrog is an online platform that supports schools in providing careers guidance to students. It helps them to explore their interests, research different pathways, including universities, apprenticeships, and other further education options. 

The platform now has information and video content on becoming a paralegal or CILEX lawyer, the legal careers a CILEX qualification opens up, and post-school pathways options.

Member news

Chartered Legal Executive and director at Kiteleys Solicitors, Ashleigh Bryant-Fower has been named as one of an 11-strong judiciary working group reviewing the Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987. It is chaired by retired High Court Judge Sir Alastair Norris.

In May, Thomas Fuller, CILEX Litigator and Advocate, and associate employment lawyer at employment and corporate law specialists Omny Law, successfully represented his client, fresh produce supplier Gomez Ltd, at an employment tribunal. The claim brought by 314 claimants was struck out after the tribunal judge found the claimants had been fundamentally dishonest.

CILEX’s immediate past president Yanthé Richardson was promoted to partner at national firm Foot Anstey. She works in conveyancing, advising on all aspects of residential property, with a particular specialism in new-build properties.

CILEX Lawyer Sally Sargesson was promoted to senior associate at national firm Irwin Mitchell in May. You can read more about Sally’s career from personal injury to costs lawyer in the Journal’s recent profile.

North-East firm Jacksons has celebrated dispute resolution specialist Charlotte Barugh’s qualification as a Chartered Legal Executive. She also heads up the firm’s debt recovery team.

North of England firm Burnetts appointed Chartered Legal Executive Codie Slessor to its residential property team. He is based in the firm’s Carlisle office.

In May, Cumbrian firm Thomson Hayton Winkley hired Claire Greenhalgh, who is currently working toward her CILEX qualifications. Claire began her career in estate agency before moving into the legal sector.

June saw Chartered Legal Executive Helen Sandrone join South-West firm RWK Goodman as a partner in its Bristol residential property team, while North-East firm Swinburne Maddison promoted Chartered Legal Executive and disputes resolution specialist Kelly Jefferson to associate.