Legal Secretary Wins Prize

Newcastle Legal Secretary Wins First ILEX Annual Prize

14 April 2008 012.08B

Hayley Bennett from Killingworth, Newcastle upon Tyne, is celebrating following her success in winning the very first ILEX Annual Prize, a new award sponsored by the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) for paralegal staff in the legal profession.

The ILEX Annual Prize is part of the prestigious City and Guilds Lion Awards, a key event in the world of vocational training.

The Prize recognises talented people who have displayed exceptional standards and commitment and whose work and ability stands out from the crowd. Hayley won her Prize for her Diploma for Legal Secretaries course. She completed her studies at the Newcastle College in Scotswood Road.

She takes home a cheque for £500, a commemorative trophy and a certificate.

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.”

“Part-time study can be hard, said ILEX President, Lesley Graham. “Hayley has demonstrated, not only excellence in her chosen field of study, but a will to succeed. My congratulations to her. She has emerged as a winner from the thousands of students currently studying legal courses with ILEX and City & Guilds. These qualifications can lead to a fulfilling career in its 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.”

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

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