CILEX SRG (Specialist Reference Group) Adviser

What is a CILEX SRG Adviser?

A CILEX SRG Adviser is a voluntary role open to members of the relevant CILEX Specialist Reference Group (SRG). Our Advisers play a critical role in providing advice, guidance and views on specific matters relating to their specialist area of legal practice to help inform CILEX’S wider policy work and practice advice.

CILEX Advisers attend meetings or events on behalf of us and ensure that important topics discussed consider the impacts or benefits towards our members. Our Advisers also contribute insightful articles to CILEX’s monthly SRG newsletters. These articles can cover a recent meeting they attended or a topic of passion to them that is of benefit to members of their SRG and beyond.

CILEX is proud of the hard work and dedication that our Advisers volunteer to us to help ensure that our members voice is heard and that our direction is steered by expert knowledge. If you are a CILEX member and haven’t joined one of our 15 SRG’s please visit the links below to find out more. If you are interested in the role of an SRG Adviser and would like to be considered at a later date, please check back from time to time to see when vacancies are launched.

You can read more about our Professional Panel & SRG Adviser role policy here.

Civil Practitioners SRG

Kady Preston – Associate and CILEX Fellow

Kady is an Associate and Fellow of CILEx with nearly 8 years’ PQE in commercial property and housing disputes. She has experience advising and representing clients in landlord and tenant matters, providing clear and commercially focused guidance.

She works with commercial clients and Registered Providers of social housing, managing disputes from pre-action through to litigation. This breadth of work has given her valuable insight into the challenges faced across both the commercial and social housing sectors.

Kady is particularly interested in how policy, technology and dispute resolution innovation can enhance fairness and efficiency within civil litigation. In her role as an SRG Adviser, she aims to share practical insights, identify emerging trends and contribute to CILEX’s policy work to support members and the wider community.

She is also a mum of three girls, giving her daily opportunities to put her negotiation skills to the test outside of work.

Natalie Savage – CILEX Litigator and Advocate in Civil Claims

I am a CILEX Litigator and Advocate in Civil Claims and have held this title since 2021. I am a medical negligence defence specialist and have 8+ years of post-qualification experience in this field.

I obtained my LLB Law Degree at the University of Glamorgan, after studying on a part-time basis, whilst working a full time job. After securing a position within the NHS, I then went on to study the Fast Track Graduate Diploma with the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives at Cardiff & Vale College and gained my qualification in February 2017. In 2021, whilst working from home, I completed the CILEX Civil Litigation Rights of Audience course with Barbri Altior.

My first, and only, legal role has been with the NHS’ in-house legal department. I initially worked in the personal injury department but transferred to the medical negligence team shortly before qualification. I have worked in this role since, honing my legal skills whilst also providing training to clients and helping them learn lessons or improve practices to prevent future claims.

On a personal note, I am a keen traveller, particularly if it involves a cruise. I am a member of the Parent/Teacher Association at my son’s school and help raise much needed funds, or apply for grants. I assisted the CILEX Foundation on one occasion, assessing applications for grants to assist with tuition fees.

Maria O’Connell – Partner

Maria O’Connell is an Equity Partner in the Civil Liberties department at Hodge Jones Allen LLP. She specialises in public and private law litigation and statutory complaints primarily focussing on claims against the police, prison and probation authorities to include expertise in protest and prisoner right litigation.

When not bringing associated public law challenges in a criminal justice context, Maria also acts for families in inquest proceedings, again predominantly those involving deaths in either police or prison detention or, increasingly following suicides of domestic violence victims.

She has strong expertise in public funding matters having previously advised within their Special Cases/Exceptional Cases Unit who oversee high value and high-profile litigation in receipt of public funds.

Maria is a member of the INQUEST, Centre for Women’s Justice and AAFDA legal referral panels and a member of the Police Actions Lawyer Group advocating for access to justice.

Gemma Spratt – Chartered Legal Executive

Gemma is a Chartered Legal Executive specialising in Defendant Professional Indemnity work. Gemma defends claims against all kinds of professionals (Solicitors, Accountants, Design & Build Professionals, Property Managing Agents etc) and investigate how (or if!) a professional indemnity insurance policy will respond to a claim. Gemma also assists with regulatory matters linked to claims (LeO, ICAEW). Generally, Gemma’s work is for Insurers who indemnify their policy holders in the event of a claim, but Gemma does undertake limited private work too.

Gemma has worked in this area for 6 years now, having begun her CILEX Level 6 specialising in family law. Prior to the Law, Gemma was a teaching assistant, retail manager (including for the Disney Store) and a nail technician. Fun fact about Gemma is she is also qualified in spray tanning and says that might just have been the most fun overall. Something about a spray tan makes people feel brand new!

Charlie Kenny – Housing Management Lawyer

Charlie Kenny is a housing management lawyer with over a decade of experience in housing law and litigation. He currently works for Home Group, where he advises on general litigation and complex housing management issues, including possession proceedings, injunctions, succession, and anti-social behaviour.

Before this, Charlie was a Housing and Litigation Lawyer in Local Government, handling a broad range of civil litigation across housing, homelessness, licensing, coroners inquests and general disputes. He regularly appeared before Courts providing robust representation and strategic advice to safeguard the interests of the authority.

Earlier in his career, Charlie worked as a Duty Adviser, representing tenants and occupiers at County Court duty schemes, often in urgent possession hearings. This front-line experience gave him a strong foundation in advocacy, homelessness law, and defending vulnerable clients under significant pressure.

Charlie has a particular interest in ensuring housing law is applied in a fair and proportionate way, balancing landlord duties with the rights of tenants.

Fun fact: Charlie has longstanding involvement in the deaf community and is fluent in British Sign Language, having also served as Vice Chair and Trustee at Clapham Deaf Club.

Matthew Waring – Chartered Legal Executive

Matthew is a Chartered Legal Executive qualifying in 2022, but he has over a decade of experience in his field of Costs Litigation. He didn’t attend university, he has qualified the CILEX route and so is fully committed to the advancement of CILEX and its members in the legal profession.

Matthew has experience of conducting Costs Litigation from both the Receiving Party and the Paying Party perspective, and considers acting on both sides of the fence allows him to better provide strategic advice to his clients from the outset. Matthew’s clients include Regional, National and International Law Firms, together with him overseeing a client base of social housing providers with a focus on reducing their legal spend.

Matthew is also a new father, which keeps him on his toes as much as the ever-evolving world of Costs Litigation.

Commercial SRG

Edward Moon – In-House Legal Counsel

Edward is a qualified Legal Executive (FILEX) with a background in Intellectual Property, Commercial, and Public Procurement law. Currently serving as In-House Legal Counsel at Boxxe Limited, Edward specialises in contract negotiation and risk mitigation, ensuring the business navigates complex legal landscapes with confidence.

With over three years of post-qualification experience across both private practice and in-house roles, Edward takes a strategic and solutions-focused approach to legal challenges. Edward is committed to supporting initiatives that shape the future of the legal.

Outside of work, Edward enjoys exploring new vegetarian recipes and learning Spanish —siempre ansioso por aprender en la vida (always eager to learn and grow in every aspect of life).

JoAnna Emery – Intellectual Property Specialist

JoAnna is an experienced intellectual property specialist with over three decades of transatlantic expertise in various roles within the IP industry. She has worked in various industries from US defence, water, financial and the FMCG sector.

During her career she has gained knowledge in all areas of intellectual property law as well as gaining experience in corporate transactions and social media. Inspiring, training and managing teams, she is a seasoned speaker at international conferences.

JoAnna is a certified legal assistant specialist in intellectual property in the US and a Fellow of the Institute of Paralegals in the UK.

Jocelyn Doe-Goodman- Paralegal

Jocelyn works in the transactional real estate team and has experience in assisting with a wide variety of commercial property transactions within Real Estate, including Landlord and Tenant and Freehold and Leasehold acquisitions and disposals.

Jocelyn has also undertaken work for both local and national house builders, assisting developers with all aspects of their individual plot sales as well as assembling development sites for residential plot sales.

Jocelyn’s main hobby is pottery and as a result, her home is filled with mismatched ceramics, usually only keeping the ‘duds’ that she doesn’t sell.

Crime SRG

Jessica Wilson – Managing Director

Jessica is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and the Managing Director of Eventum Legal. After completing her Law Degree, she qualified through CILEx and went on to establish her own law firm, regulated by CILEx Regulation—a testament to her determination and entrepreneurial drive.

With over 15 years of experience in criminal defence, Jessica has represented clients at every stage of criminal proceedings, including complex cases before the Court of Appeal and the Criminal Cases Review Commission. She has built her career on defending some of the most vulnerable members of society accused of the most serious offences. Her unwavering priority is to ensure her clients are heard, protected, and supported during what is often the most challenging period of their lives.

Jessica is a member of the Youth Justice Legal Centre and is a strong advocate for ensuring the appropriate treatment of youths who find themselves within the justice system.

In addition to her work as a practitioner, Jessica plays a pivotal role in the governance of her firm, serving as both Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) and Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA). This dual responsibility underscores her commitment to upholding the highest standards of professional integrity, regulatory compliance, and client care.

Megan Leckie – Trainee Solicitor

Megan Leckie is a Trainee Solicitor at Tuckers Solicitors, specialising in criminal defence, and is working towards the CILEX Advanced Stage CPQ with the goal of qualifying as a CILEX Lawyer and Advocate. She is passionate about ensuring vulnerable clients have access to clear, compassionate advice and is committed to protecting the rights of those facing the criminal justice system.

Megan began her career in family law, where she supported victims of domestic abuse by securing urgent non-molestation orders. She later moved into criminal defence, where she now advises clients at police stations and provides vital support to people facing the criminal justice system.

Her commitment to access to justice began during her Law Degree at Canterbury Christ Church University, where she volunteered at Citizens Advice and Canterbury Combined Court, assisting people who otherwise struggled to navigate the legal system. Megan has since been recognised nationally, winning the UK Student Mediation Competition in 2020, being shortlisted for Junior Lawyer of the Year 2022 by the Kent Law Society, and as a finalist in the Inspirational Women in Law Awards 2021. Most recently, she was awarded Rising Star 2023 at the Canterbury Christ Church University Alumni Awards.

She founded Women in Law Kent in 2020, helping to create a supportive network for women in the legal profession.

Fun fact: Megan is currently training to run the Paris Marathon in 2025.

Michael Evans – Senior Manager Associate Prosecutor

Michael joined the Crown Prosecution Service in 1988 and have built a career spanning over three decades, progressing from entry-level roles to his current position as a Senior Manager within a Division. Michael’s professional background is rooted in criminal casework, with extensive experience across Magistrates’ and Crown Courts, as well as specialist casework in the Divisional Court and the Criminal Court of Appeal.

As an Associate Prosecutor, Michael has represented the CPS in Magistrates’ and Youth Courts, appearing before Lay Magistrates and District Judges. He has prosecuted a wide range of criminal offences, including trials and contested applications within his Rights of Audience. A memorable early experience was having one of his first court appearances observed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Attorney-General, and Mr. Justice Evans—no relation! It was a nerve-wrecking but formative moment.

Criminal law continues to fascinate Michael. Despite the challenges facing the Criminal Justice System, he finds the work stimulating and rewarding. Michael takes pride in contributing to a system that upholds justice and public confidence.

Michael is also a Chartered Legal Executive and value the professional recognition and opportunities that come with CILEX membership. Michael welcomes the evolution of the legal executive profession and the strides made in advancing its role within the justice system.

Janine Cowie – Legal Adviser (Crime)

Janine changed careers in 2015 and went back to University to complete the Graduate Diploma in Law before qualifying via CILEX in August 2021, whilst working as a paralegal. Between 2021 and 2024 Janine worked in criminal defence and regulatory law before moving to the civil service in January 2025. Janine is now a Legal Advisor in Training (Crime) at HMCTS in Newport, South Wales. Janine joined the Crime SRG in 2024 and this led to her appointment to represent CILEX on Legal Board Wales.

Outside of work Janine volunteers for my local Hospital Radio Station and was a drummer in the London 2012 opening and closing ceremonies!

Jonathan Mellody – CILEX Advocate (Duty Accredited)

Jonathan is a qualified Legal Executive and Advocate. He and has been with MK Law as a senior caseworker and police station representative since 2014. Passionate in his pursuit of justice, Jonathan leaves no stone unturned in the care of his clients and the defence of their case. He is meticulous in case preparation ensuring all avenues are explored to secure the best possible outcomes.

Jonathan guides clients through the complex and often distressing process which begins at the police station and ends in the court system. He studied under CILEX and has a keen eye for defence work and a knowledgeable overview of the workings of the criminal justice system.

As well as an impressive track record litigating serious crime cases, Jonathan is regularly at the Magistrates Court providing the strongest advocacy possible for his clients.

Louise Turner – Senior Consultant CILEX Lawyer

Louise is a consultant CILEX lawyer, criminal litigator and advocate at Setfords Solicitors in Guildford and London and ODT Solicitors in Chichester. Louise specialises in all aspects of criminal defence work, especially protecting clients against false allegations.

Louise is an expert in protecting her clients against false allegations. She understands the impact that false allegations of all kinds can have on her clients, and approaches cases in a highly proactive way with high importance placed on early engagement to resolve cases.

Louise is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives as well as a CILEX Litigator and Advocate in Criminal Proceedings, meaning that she acts in her own right on behalf of clients in criminal proceedings. She has also recently been awarded the prestigious honorary title of CILEX Companion.

She has many years of experience as a court advocate in criminal proceedings, having gained her Magistrates Court qualification, and was admitted to the Law Society Criminal Litigation Scheme in 2013. Louise has also been an accredited Police Station representative for over 19 years.

Employment SRG

Michael Coe

Michael Coe ACILEX is an independent Award winning ‘Best Employment Law / HR Paralegal ‘National Paralegal Awards, 2019, 2022 and an Award winning trainer,2009.

In 2021 Michael opened the Paralegal Dept ( under Dimension 88® ) as an employment law /HR consultancy offering outsourced Employment Law and HR services, to small medium enterprises requiring Employment law support.

Michael is a qualified Paralegal and holds CIPD Level 7 Human Resources and Employment Law, QCF qualifications. He also holds the level 3 Award in Education and Training working in the Lifelong learning sector.

Michael is passionate about Employment Law and working in the legal sector. He became a CILEX member in 2024 and as a part of CILEX is an SRG Adviser for Employment.

In Michael’s spare time he is a volunteer with ‘Inspiring the Future for Schools’ and has visited Suffolk schools since 2012 giving careers talks to students.

Matthew Huggett – Partner

Matt is an experienced employment lawyer and also a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD. He is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and the Industrial Law Society and a former Secretary of the West of England branch of the CIPD.

Matt started his legal career a little later in life, commencing his CILEX qualifications in his early thirties. At this point in his career, he had already started advising on HR and employment law matters but realised, in the increasingly litigious area of employment, that he needed (and wanted) to become a lawyer. Matt discovered the CILEX route to qualification which allowed him to continue to work in his established employment with a large employers organisation – and to raise a young family at the same time.

During his career, Matt became a lead lawyer for global manufacturing and engineering businesses. He now runs his own employment practice with Carbon Law Partners. He advises on all matters relating to HR and employment with a particular interest in discrimination and diversity matters. Matt is also an experienced advocate, representing clients at Employment Tribunals.

He is also an avid user of LinkedIn as a platform to access and educate the wider population on employment matters having published a series of videos and podcasts on specialist topics.

Family SRG

Joel Rogers – Chartered Legal Executive

Joel has been a Chartered Legal Executive at Julie McDonald Family Law since May 2025, working exclusively within Family Law, but has worked at the firm since 2021. He had an interest in the field as long ago as his second year at the University of Portsmouth, from which he graduated with a degree in Law.

Joel is developing his knowledge across divorce, matrimonial finances, and private children proceedings. He takes pride in his efforts to keep matters calm and to avoid acrimony, as it is rarely in the best interests of anyone divorcing to have to deal with increased tensions, stress, and costs.

Fun fact: Joel is a frequent runner, who has participated in distances from 5k up to (and including) marathons, and regularly competes in obstacle course races such as the Spartan Race.

Venetia Chatzimichali – Head of financial remedy

Venetia specialises in Financial Remedy proceedings following Divorce however, she has extensive experience in dealing with Children Act Proceedings and Domestic Abuse Proceedings as she has been practicing family law since 2006.

Venetia is a Chartered Legal Executive and Advocate and Litigator. Venetia has a BA Honours in Business and Marketing, a PgD in electronic business, an LLB in Law and a Masters in Law.

Venetia has been described by members of the judiciary as a competent advocate, extremely professional, well prepared, fearless and always with a smile on her face. Venetia’s clients describe her as being very empathetic and straight talking.

Venetia is part of the Judicial Reverse mentoring scheme and enjoys advocating for equality and diversity matters.

On a personal note, Venetia loves the outdoors and has 3 alpacas and 3 chickens. Venetia also enjoys speed kayaking and used to compete at national level.

Linsey McDonald FCLIX – Family Court Users

Linsey is a highly experienced Family Law specialist focused on helping clients achieve favourable outcomes, even in complex divorces and disputes. In 2019, Linsey was named ‘Chartered Legal Executive of the Year’ at the Family Law Awards.

Linsey has specialised in family law for a number of years and has a wide range of experience in dealing with divorce, matrimonial finances, same sex marriages, children and of obtaining emergency injunctions in domestic violence cases. Linsey brings expert knowledge to her SRG Adviser role, focusing on all aspects associated with family courts and tribunals in England and Wales.

Fun fact: Linsey has assisted in raising over £125,000 for charity, which included taking part in a 15,000 ft sky dive and recommends it to anyone who can experience it.

Kirsty McKenzie – Trainee Legal Executive

Kirsty is a Trainee Legal Executive at Hall Brown Family Law based in Manchester. Kirsty successfully completed her CILEX Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice and is now working towards her application for fellowship of the institution to become a Chartered Legal Executive (FCILEx). Kirsty has further ambitions of completing Litigation and Advocacy rights courses to enable her to become a CILEX Litigator and Advocate.

Linsey joined Switalskis in 2007, following the acquisition of her previous employers’ Legal Aid Family Law practice. She then became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives in 2008. In 2018, Linsey became an Associate of Switalskis, following her successful completion of their in-house Associate Development Programme. Linsey joined King Street Solicitors at the end of 2021, which specialise in family and childcare law.

Kirsty is currently developing her expertise across all areas of family law, including divorce, finances and children matters and brings her experience and passion working on high-net-worth cases and complex financial remedy disputes.

Personal Injury SRG

Oliver Smythe – Chartered Legal Executive

Oliver is a Chartered Legal Executive specialising in clinical negligence and abuse claims. Oliver joined his current firm, Enable Law, in 2017 where he acts exclusively for individuals who have suffered serious harm from avoidable medical accidents. He acts for clients who have suffered catastrophic, life changing injuries, and has a particular interest in upper limb orthopaedic injuries, fatal claims and inquests. Oliver also deals with a varied caseload of Human Rights Act claims, mainly acting for young and vulnerable people who have been failed by local authorities.

Oliver understands the complexity of the civil claims process, and the challenges faced by clients and their loved ones who have experienced medical negligence. He is committed to delivering a personable and compassionate level of service to all of his clients to help them achieve a sense of resolution and begin to rebuild their lives.

In his spare time, Oliver volunteers at his local nature reserve helping with habitat management and enjoys cooking and following the Bristol Bears rugby team.

Ronan Kennedy – CILEX Lawyer

Ronan is a CILEX lawyer, with civil litigation practice rights. Ronan specialises in industrial disease, helping vulnerable people who have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis or pleural thickening. Ronan supports claims for justice and compensation to help individuals secure financial support at a time when they need it most.

Ronan’s ambition has always been to be a lawyer and make a positive difference to people facing injustice. Ronan chose to specialise in Industrial Disease and asbestos compensation claims for this reason. Ronan helps people who have worked all their lives only to have their retirement tragically limited or cut short by an avoidable disease. They have been let down by their employers and successive governments. Ronan seeks justice and support on their behalf.

Fact: As part of a misspent youth, Ronan was the lead singer in a local rock band.

George Clayton – Team Manager

George began his career in 1991 as a trainee claims clerk at Eagle Star Insurance before moving to Direct Line in 1994. There, he specialised in defending personal injury and credit hire claims and began his legal executive studies, while also helping to establish the company’s in-house litigation team.

In 2002, George joined AON to manage claims against one of its largest fleet policyholders, continuing his studies alongside his role. He completed his CILEX qualification after moving to Gorman Hamilton (now True Solicitors) in 2006, where he took on responsibility for managing a team of personal injury lawyers.

George’s role expanded in 2014, where he was appointed to lead True’s Leeds office, while still handling a caseload of complex personal injury claims. Over time, his responsibilities have broadened to include managing complex litigation, developing client and industry relationships, representing the firm at regional and national levels, and overseeing the firm’s digital rollout.

Throughout his career, George has been actively involved in MASS at both regional and national level, contributing to discussions shaping the industry.

Fun fact: Away from the office, George is both a qualified scuba diver and devoted Leeds United supported – equally at home exploring the depths as he is riding the highs and lows of Elland Road.

Lauren Goode – Paralegal

Lauren works as a Paralegal within the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence team at the regional law firm mfg Solicitors. Lauren specialises in employers’ liability, occupiers’ liability, and clinical negligence claims.

Prior to her time at the firm, Lauren gained several years of experience working for defendant firms. Lauren has been able to gain a dual perspective that strengthens her approach to current work on behalf of claimants.

Lauren supports individuals navigating legal challenges, ensuring thorough and reliable representation and providing clear guidance (no jargon!).

As an Advanced CILEX member, Lauren is currently completing her portfolio towards qualification as a Chartered Legal Executive. Lauren is committed to supporting the professional growth of fellow members and contributing to the strategic development of the legal profession through her role as a CILEX SRG Adviser.

Outside of her professional duties, Lauren enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, attending local gigs and going for walks.

Property SRG

Jasmin Kainth – Paralegal

Jasmin is a paralegal at DAC Beachcroft LLP with over ten years of experience in real estate and now specialises in residential development.

With a strong background in both residential and commercial conveyancing, she supports clients through a wide range of property transactions, offering clear and practical guidance at every stage.

Jasmin is qualifying via the CILEX legacy route and is currently awaiting the outcome of her work-based learning, and conveyancing practice rights application.

With a strong background in both residential and commercial conveyancing, she supports clients through a wide range of property transactions, offering clear and practical guidance at every stage.

Anna Davey – Senior Associate

Anna is a CILEX Conveyancing Practitioner and has been working in Property Law since 2007. For the last decade Anna has worked in Bournemouth on the South Coast in residential conveyancing, having started her career in London.

Anna is a strong advocate of passing on tips and information to other conveyancers in the team. Anna believes that any experience, good or bad, should be passed on to more junior members of the team in order that they learn from her experiences in order to help make them more rounded in their experience too. Since enrolling with CILEX as a student in 2010, Anna has made it her mission to champion the CILEX brand and to do everything possible “to prove that my fellow CILEX professionals and I are more than deserving of a seat at the same table as other legal professionals, regardless of the method or route of qualification”.

Fun fact: Anna has a miniature dachshund called Dave who acts as her Paralegal when working from home.

Katherine Pinnell – Head of Legal and Technical Services

Katherine is a Chartered Legal Executive and her role is Head of Legal and Technical Services at Movera – a tech-driven home-moving company encompassing 2 forms of solicitors, 2 panel managers and with investments in conveyancing-related tech companies. We have offices in Stockport, London, Leeds and Cardiff.

Katherine’s role is to advise the business in relation to property law, so that she can make decisions on how to best advise the business’ clients and partners. This including supporting various teams in ensuring that controls (i.e. processes, documents and training) are effective to provide the best possible service.

Katherine’s background is in conveyancing, having acted directly for clients buying, selling, transferring and remortgaging properties for c.18 years before progressing into management.

Katherine lives in Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire. She is married with 2 boys, who are 16 and 12, and has a crazy cocker spaniel named Boycie (not her choice!). Katherine studied Law and French at Keele University, graduating in 2000 before travelling around Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand for 12 months.

In her role, Katherine particularly enjoys supporting up and coming lawyers as they progress through their careers and have mentored several Legal Executives and Solicitors through to qualification.

Katherine is looking forward to advising CILEX’s Property SRG and hopefully contributing in a meaningful way.

Bridie Green – Head of Residential Conveyancing

Bridie is a dual qualified Legal Executive and Solicitor specialising in Residential Conveyancing.

Having started her career in employment law, and having experience in personal injury law, for the past 10 years Bridie has found her passion in residential conveyancing.

Bridie brings expert knowledge to her SRG Adviser role, focusing on all aspects associated with property conveyancing matters.

Victoria Williams

Victoria sits as a representative for CILEX on the Digital Property Marketing Steering Group.

Private Client SRG

Ian Hunt – Managing Partner/Interim Chair of The CILEX Foundation

Ian is immensely proud to be a third generation Legal Executive, having qualified in October 1990 and becoming a Fellow on 31st October 1992. He left mainstream legal employment in 2012 to fulfil his ambition to set up his own specialist Private Client practice and in June 2012. East Devon Law was founded. The firm has grown to become an LLP in 2018 and a CILEX Regulated entity in September 2020.

Ian won the Private Client – Legal Expert Award in 2018, and the Devon and Somerset Law Society Legal Executive of the Year Award in 2019. He received the highly commended in the Joyce Arram Memorial Award in the CILEX National Awards 2019 as well as being a shortlisted finalist in two other categories.

As well as being a Full member of STEP and SFE and the Equity Release Council, Ian was invited by Baroness Finlay to become a member of the National Mental Capacity Forum (NMCF) in 2017 and was invited to become a member of the OPG working group to look at creating new easy read guidance notes for LPA’s in July 2019.

Ian is also the current Interim Chair of The CILEX Foundation and sits on CILEX’s Professional Board.

Out of the office he enjoys walking, hiking, and is qualified S W Mountain and Moorland leader and NNAS navigation coach. Ian is also a keen Motorsports enthusiast and enjoys competing in Sprints and Hill climbs in his Historic Mini Cooper S with daughter Victoria and wife Adele.

Jade Anderson – Senior Paralegal

Jade is a Senior Paralegal with over eight years’ experience in private client, specialising in wills, probate, estate administration, and lasting powers of attorney. Jade manages her own caseload, supporting clients with both straightforward matters and highly complex estates.

Jade’s experience includes administering high-value estates in excess of £5 million, as well as complex intestacies with extensive family trees and contested entitlements. Jade frequently deals with estates involving international assets and beneficiaries across multiple jurisdictions, coordinating with overseas professionals to ensure estates are administered efficiently. Jade also advises on inheritance tax planning, draft bespoke wills and trust documentation, and guides families through sensitive issues with a clear and practical approach.

Jade is currently completing the CPQ, having started as a Paralegal Apprentice, subsequently completing the bridging course and Advanced Stage CPQ exams.

In terms of a fun fact, Jade actually received a ‘U’ grade when studying law at A-Level! Jade dropped out of education and worked in hospitality for 5 years, managing restaurants, before finding law again at 22, starting as a personal assistant.

Shaun Alexander – Chartered Legal Executive & CILEX Probate Practitioner

Shaun is a CILEX Lawyer based in the North-East, specialising in Wills, Trusts and Probate. Having obtained Probate Practice Rights in 2021 his firm, Alexander Legal Services Ltd, became regulated by CILEx Regulation where he currently works as a sole practitioner.

Shaun has worked in this area of law for over 8 years and has taught Wills & Administration of Estates at various universities, currently at BPP University where he teaches trainee solicitors on the SQE programme.

Fact – as a child his only ambition was to be a farmer, which perhaps explains his love of border collie dogs (he has 2) and gardening in all weathers!

Ashleigh Bryant Fower – Head of Vulnerable Client Services

Ashleigh is a Chartered Legal Executive, currently working with Kiteleys Solicitors in her role as Head of Vulnerable Client Services.  Ashleigh’s legal background is Private Client although she specialises in Court of Protection, Mental Capacity and Vulnerable Clients.  Ashleigh’s specialism exposes her to areas of our social care system which are unknown to most, and it provides me with a great sense of job satisfaction to help those who are vulnerable within our society.

Ashleigh started her legal career as a receptionist straight out of college. Ashleigh’s CILEX journey began at eighteen, allowing her to qualify young and gain extensive experience over the last ten years. Whilst it was a struggle to work full-time and study, it has given her insight to all areas of law practice from support to fee-earning which only improves the services that we provide.

Ashleigh is also passionate about Pro Bono work, and giving her time to those who don’t know where to turn.  “Whilst I cannot always help, being able to listen and direct is invaluable to those who are struggling”.

Local Authority SRG

Yisroel Greenberg – Senior Lawyer

Yisroel has been a Fellow since 2021, and a CILEX Advocate and Litigator since 2024. Yisroel has spent the past six and a half years in local government, and is currently a Senior Lawyer in a north London authority. Yisroel’s current role is mostly housing, with some general litigation, debt recovery and licensing. In his past roles, he is has dealt with a wider range of civil litigation, as well as some prosecutions and enforcement work. Yisroel says the joy of being a generalist lawyer in local government is that one never knows what may come up next!

Although CILEX was not the first route into law that Yisroel considered, it ended up being a perfect fit for his circumstances, and allowed him to progress to being fully qualified on his own terms. Since this, Yisroel has always sung CILEX’s praises to peers and junior colleagues. Yisroel is delighted to have been chosen as an SRG Adviser, and looks forward to playing a part in supporting CILEX and our profession.

When asked about a fact, Yisroel says ‘I have no fun facts to share about myself – as I always insist to my two children, I never joke at all (though they don’t seem to believe me).

Wales SRG

Matthew Joyes – Deputy Director for Legal Services

Matthew is Deputy Director for Legal Services at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, the largest NHS body in Wales. He is responsible for the strategic leadership and operational delivery of legal services across the organisation, supporting the Board and Executive Team in meeting their statutory and regulatory obligations.

Matthew’s legal practice is grounded in public law, with a particular focus on healthcare law, clinical negligence, inquests, judicial review, mental health law, and regulatory compliance. He provides authoritative legal advice on a broad range of matters affecting the Health Board’s functions, contributing to decision-making processes that are legally and ethically sound and aligned with NHS Wales governance standards.

He leads the Legal Services Department in managing complex litigation, advocacy and advisory work, and contributes to the development of internal legal policies and procedures that promote consistency, accountability, and lawful practice. His role includes close collaboration with clinical and corporate colleagues, external legal advisors, government and regulatory bodies.