Legal professionals got the chance to share experiences and discuss the sector with experts in the first of a series of networking events taking place across the UK this year.
The first two CILEX Connect and Grow events were organised by Birketts LLP, one of the UK’s oldest law firms, at its offices in Ipswich and Norwich.
At each event, members from the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) shared their experiences and heard from experts on topics linked to self-awareness and personal development.
Following on from the success of the first two events, several other sessions will be taking place across the UK, including Liverpool, Swansea, Manchester, Sheffield, Bristol and Birmingham.
CILEX chief executive Jennifer Coupland opened the event in Ipswich by outlining her vision for the organisation. A core part of the new strategy includes active interaction with members, she explained: understanding what they value, what they want from their membership and how CILEX can best represent them in what she described as an evolving legal landscape.
A major focus of the events was an update on the Mazur appeal taking place this week. Coupland also shared details of career development opportunities, along with an ambassador programme to help members connect with the next generation of CILEX members, and details of voluntary member-led groups where members can discuss the law in their area of specialism, contribute to consultation responses and influence CILEX’s wider policy work and practice advice.
At both events, Anita Arscott-Brookes, learning and development consultant at CILEX, led interactive sessions, including a communications workshop and a session on imposter syndrome, something Birketts partner Juliet Harvey said had “struck a chord…particularly in the wake of the Mazur judgment.”
She added:
“It has been a tricky time for CILEx members over the past few months. It was good to have an opportunity to share our views with the CILEx President and CEO and be heard. We all await the outcome of the appeal.”
Sam Froud, a fellow partner at Birketts, echoed Juliet’s enthusiasm for the events. “It was a pleasure to attend the recent CILEX Connect and Grow event in Ipswich,” he said.
“The event provided an opportunity for members at every stage of their careers to connect with each other and to celebrate the strength, resilience and diversity of our community.”
