Types of Lawyer
Legal Executives: A brief History
We take a look at the story of the Legal Executive so far
The Institute of Legal Executives celebrates its 46th year in 2009. Formally, known as Managing Clerks, some would argue that it has been around since the 19th. Century. In fact, Managing Clerks featured in Victorian and Edwardian literature. It is a little known fact that Charles Dickens was a Solicitor’s Clerk and he drew upon his experience for characters in his novels.
Some would argue that the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) has been around since the 19th Century. In fact, their predecessors (Managing Clerks) was founded in 1892 and featured in Victorian and Edwardian literature. It is a little known fact that Charles Dickens was a Solicitor’s Clerk and he drew upon his experience for characters in his novels.
In 1928, Managing Clerks formed their own regulatory body and resulted in the Solicitors Managing Clerks Association being incorporated as a Company. In 1963, after consultation between the Council of the Association and the Law Society, it was decided that a new type of lawyer, a Legal Executive would be created. This led to the formation of the Institute of Legal Executives. From its simple beginning, the Institute has now grown into a substantial legal body serving a professional membership of over 22,000.
Today, ILEX examinations are similar in standard set by the Bar and Law Society and, like Barristers and Solicitors, all ILEX are independently regulated. The higher grades of ILEX members have to complete Continuing Professional Development. With recent changes, there is very little distinction between a Solicitor and a Legal Executive lawyer, as they can now become partners, judges and advocates. In fact, Legal Executive lawyers may often manage Solicitors due to the emphasis placed on practical skills by ILEX.
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