First South West Legal Executive Advocate Takes Centre Stage

15 April 2008 pr011.08

Neil Lewin, a Legal Executive lawyer with Camborne law firm, Howell Hylton Solicitors, is one of the first Legal Executives in England & Wales to be trained as a defence Legal Executive Advocate, and is now preparing to make his first appearance in court.

As Legal Executive Advocates they will be able to offer a seamless service to clients taking their case right through to the magistrates court and, in the case of appeal and bail applications, the Crown Court without the need to instruct a solicitor, something ILEX Fellows have not been able to do in the past.

In October 2007,Altior Training, based in Cardiff, became the first ILEX accredited organisation to deliver training courses and assessments to members enrolled under the revised ILEX Advocacy Qualification Scheme. Over 400 ILEX Fellows and Members have already expressed an interest in obtaining rights of audience and in the training to become advocates

‘I am absolutely delighted to have successfully completed this qualification,” says Neil. “To have been given the opportunity to study for and achieve this qualification is extremely rewarding for myself, family and employer. I look on this as a firm foundation on which to further advance my career in law.’

Prior to enrolling onto a course, Fellows and Members have to apply to ILEX for a Certificate of Eligibility which requires them to show that they have the necessary level of legal knowledge and experience before they can undertake the six-day course.

“I am delighted that Neil is one of the first Legal Executive Advocates to complete the training course and is now ready to hone his skills in court,” said ILEX President, Lesley Graham. ”And I am sure he will be the first of many.”

“Extended Advocacy rights are something which ILEX has campaigned long and hard for. The expertise and knowledge of Legal Executives has long been recognised and Rights of Audience is the first of many forthcoming important changes within the legal profession that affect ILEX members and will enable them to broaden their areas of practice and status.”

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