Legal profession’s head recognised with Lifetime Achievement Award

16 October 2014

Diane Burleigh OBE, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx), has been honoured in an awards ceremony for her lifetime of achievements.

The Modern Law Awards, which took place yesterday (Wednesday, 15 October) at the London Hilton Park Lane, celebrated Diane’s commitment and dedication to the legal profession by presenting her with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

Diane, who retires from the legal profession at the end of the year after more than 44 years’ service, said: “I’m truly surprised and delighted to receive this award from Modern Law. I have a passion for law and the legal profession, and I have been very fortunate to work with many terrific people, not least our own CILEx members, to support the legal sector through challenging and changing times.”

Professor Stephen Mayson, who chaired the judges for the awards, said: “Diane’s award last night was one of two that is entirely in the gift of the judging panel. I’m delighted that she is the recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. It is given to few people to transform an entire profession, but that is exactly what Diane has done.

He continued: “Her leadership of the Institute in achieving its Royal Charter, a prominent place within the new regulatory framework of the Legal Services Act 2007, and new rights both for individual Chartered Legal Executives and for entities has been exceptional. She is a very worthy winner.”

Diane Burleigh OBE biography:

Diane is chief executive at the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx), the professional association for Chartered Legal Executives, legal practitioners and paralegals. She is a solicitor with private practice and in-house experience; formerly Deputy Director of Policy at the Law Society of England and Wales before moving to CILEx in 1998. Diane has overseen the establishment of CILEx as an Approved Regulator under the Legal Services Act 2007, severing CILEx’s regulatory function from its professional association functions, and establishing IPS (ILEX Professional Standards Limited). She was also responsible for the work associated with the grant to CILEx of its Royal Charter.

During her time with CILEx, Chartered Legal Executives have gained extended rights of audience in County and Magistrates Courts; become eligible for judicial appointment, coronial appointment, and may become partners in law firms. CILEx has also recently launched independent practice rights for Fellows in the fields of Litigation and Immigration, with further rights making their way through Parliament at the moment.

Diane recently retired as a Tribunal Judge of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal.

Diane has spent 34 years as a lawyer and more than 44 years in the legal sector and was awarded an OBE for services to the legal profession in the 2013 New Year Honours.

ENDS

Photograph L-R: Gyles Brandreth, host for the evening; Diane Burleigh OBE, winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award; Don Hughan, Doctors Chambers (Sponsor of the Award); Professor Stephen Mayson, chair of judges