First ILEX Annual Prize Winners 2008

Two students are celebrating their success in winning the very first ILEX Annual Prize, a new award sponsored by the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) for paralegal staff. The ILEX Annual Prize is part of the prestigious City and Guilds Lion Awards, a key event in the world of vocational training.

The ILEX Annual Prize recognises those students who have displayed exceptional standards and commitment and whose work and ability in Vocational Paralegal Studies and Legal Secretaries stands out from the crowd.

ILEX in conjunction with City & Guilds, offers the largest range of training courses in England and Wales currently available for support staff in the legal profession.

Helen Graham from Conwy, North Wales won the Prize for Vocational Paralegal Studies and Hayley Bennett from Newcastle-on-Tyne, the Prize for Legal Secretaries. Both winners take home a cheque for £500, a commemorative trophy and a certificate.

“Part-time study can be hard, said ILEX President, Lesley Graham. “The two winners have demonstrated, not only excellence in their chosen field of study, but a will to succeed. They have emerged as winners from the thousands of students currently studying legal courses with ILEX and City & Guilds. My congratulations to them both.

“These qualifications can lead to a fulfilling career in their own right, but can also make an excellent gateway to a further career in the legal profession.

Many successful Legal Executive lawyers started their legal careers as legal secretaries or paralegal staff. “

Helen is currently looking for a part time position within the legal environment and is now studying to be a Legal Executive. She said,” I have recently returned to studying after a break. I am overwhelmed and did not expect to win. It was a privilege to have even been nominated. I am delighted and it could not have happened at a better time for me.”

Hayley, a Legal Secretary with Dickinson Dees LLP, Newcastle upon Tyne commented,

” I feel honoured to have been chosen to receive such a prestigious award and am very proud of the judges’ comments. Winning the ILEX Annual Prize has made me realise how far I have come since beginning my career as a Junior Secretary in July 2005, and gives me the encouragement I need to continue in my studies and career.”