The Gazette 1995

GAZETTE

DECEMBER 1995

The Irish Institute of Legal Executives: A Reply

The article by Dr. Eamonn G. Hall entitled "Lawbrief' in the October 1995 Gazette which outlined the meaning and historical references of the term "clerk" and "law clerk" particularly in relation to those in the United States and the UK was noted with great interest. We wish to up-date Dr. Eamonn Hall and indeed your readers on the present position of The Irish Institute of Legal Executives. The Irish Institute of Legal Executives ; was formed in 1987 and incorporated j in April 1992 as a company limited by j guarantee, not having a share capital. As stated, the first Fellowships were awarded in 1988. Dr. Hall states that the Irish Institute has not been as active as its English counterpart. It should be pointed out that the UK Institute .which was formed in 1963 took thirty-two years to achieve its current status. We are trying to create a greater awareness of our Institute - of its activities and the recognition of the status of its members and their roles within the legal profession. We too are publishing a quarterly newsletter which provides information on the changes of law, points of practice and discussion vis-a-vis legal topics. The latest edition (August 1995) was circulated to most solicitors' offices in the Republic of Í Ireland. It is noted with regret that most Irish law firms do not make provision for the training of staff or in the development of their knowledge or practical skills. This is a very basic requirement which should be provided in a very structured way. j

Whilst we would agree wholeheartedly with Dr. Hall's statement that "the lack of sufficient measure" of renumeration for "law clerks now often designated as legal executives" is one of their "principal concerns", we wish to point out that we are not a trade union. The Memorandum of the Irish Institute of Legal Executives Limited clearly states ". . . the Institute shall not support. . . . any regulation or restriction which if any object would make it a trade union". The educational levels and standards of experience behind each level of membership approved by our Institute entitles a member to use initials ending with I.I.L.Ex. This distinguishes our members from existing "Law Clerks" and will in time command the renumeration worthy of that title as they gain recognition and ; person who uses these letters after the I title of Legal Executive, duly issued and approved by our Institute will hold clearly defined skills of knowledge and practice. j We look forward to reading Dr. Hall's follow-up article of the next year or so when our hard labour bears fruit! We wish legal employers to take note of the fact that no member of our Institute is allowed to use the letters i F.I.I.L.Ex. or M.I.I.L.Ex. unless they i hold a current annual practising certificate which has been issued by the Institute. We would also point out that we do not support the use of the term "legal executives" by non- members. respect by employers. It should be , well known and established that a We appreciate all the support we have received to date from solicitors, barristers, members of the judiciary and all others who have assisted us.

Pamela O'Loughlln F.I.I.L. Ex.

operating under a strict code of rules for all its members. We are endeavouring to create and be responsible for the training of such legal executive to enable all members work in tandem with members of the Law Society. Rome was not built in a day but we do not intend to take thirty-two years either! It has taken time to establish and identify the role of our members and architect the present structure of the Institute. In the near future, we expect to be offering, Diplomas and Certificates and later Degrees to student Legal Executives. We are negotiating with various colleges in relation to the formation of customised courses which will be particularly aimed towards the needs of the Irish Legal Executive. Our intention is to embrace a far wider range of membership than was previously envisaged. We wish to represent every person who is not a Solicitor or Barrister but who has a thirst for legal education and/or has extensive legal experience.

The Irish Institute of Legal Executives | is also a professional body

We look forward to receiving letters of enquiry, 'phone calls, requests for

representing "legal executives" with very high standards and

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