Reflections from the CILEx Future Legal Conference 2024 by Janine Cowie, CILEx Lawyer
Janine Cowie is an Accredited Police Station Representative within the Crime and Regulatory Department specialising in criminal law, criminal defence, misconduct proceedings and post incident procedures. She is also a Criminal Specialist Reference Group Advisor for CILEx and CILEx representative for the Legal Wales Board. At our Cardiff solicitors office, she plays a key role in criminal defence solicitor matters.
On 7 November, 2024, Birmingham played host to the CILEx Future Legal Conference, an event packed with thought-provoking discussions, ground-breaking insights, and inspiring stories. As a proud CILEx lawyer, I was eager to immerse myself in the topics shaping the future of our profession. Here's a look back at the highlights from this remarkable day
Artificial Intelligence in Law: Opportunities and Challenges
The day began with a compelling keynote by Uwais Iqbal of Simplexico, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal field. Later, a deeper dive into AI's applications was led by Saurav Chopra from 5mins.AI. This session explored the "good, the bad, and the ugly" of AI usage, emphasising the need for firms to develop AI policies and appoint trained AI champions.
The takeaway? AI is transforming legal practice, but its adoption must be deliberate and well-supported to ensure ethical and efficient integration.
Addressing Lawyer Wellness and Burnout
In the second keynote of the day, Hannah Beko tackled the pressing issue of lawyer wellness, discussing strategies for building sustainable careers. A striking statistic emerged: 60% of attendees reported experiencing anxiety or burnout in the past month.
Hannah highlighted the growing mental health challenges post-pandemic, underscoring the importance of workplace wellness initiatives. Her insights were a vital reminder that prioritizing mental health is not just beneficial - it’s essential for long-term success in the legal profession.
Practice Rights for CILEx Lawyers
One of the breakout sessions addressed the challenges surrounding practice rights for CILEx lawyers under the Legal Services Act 2007. This legislation requires additional qualifications to undertake reserved activities, regardless of experience.
As a CILEx lawyer working in criminal law, I found it disheartening to learn that litigation and advocacy courses for this area are unavailable due to low demand. This limitation hinders career progression for many aspiring advocates. While there is hope for resolution, meaningful progress may still take months.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: A Call to Action
The final keynote by Sahar Farooqi, an International Arbitration Barrister and Transformation Officer, delivered a passionate plea for equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Sahar pointed out systemic barriers that hinder true inclusivity in the legal profession, emphasising the transformative role of CILEx in promoting social mobility.
“The legal profession frequently suffers from systemic snobbery,"
Sahar said.
"It does not matter where we come from or what school we went to - what matters is the quality of the argument and how we represent our clients."
This powerful message resonated deeply, setting the stage for a moving panel discussion on EDI.
An Inspirational Close
The conference concluded with an unforgettable talk by Charlie Fogarty MBE. Sharing his journey of resilience after a tragic accident, Charlie left the room inspired. His words, “With determination, self-belief, and hard work, anything is possible,” were a fitting end to a day filled with hope and ambition.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead to 2025
The CILEx Future Legal Conference was more than an event; it was a rallying cry for progress, innovation, and inclusivity in the legal profession. From AI integration to wellness initiatives, and from addressing practice rights to advancing EDI, the day provided valuable lessons and opportunities for reflection.
Key Takeaways:
AI Evolution: Law firms must embrace AI thoughtfully, with policies and champions in place.
Wellness Matters: Addressing mental health challenges is essential for a sustainable legal career.
Breaking Barriers: Advocacy for accessible qualifications and career progression is crucial for CILEx lawyers.
Diversity Drives Progress: True EDI requires confronting systemic barriers head-on.
Inspiration Everywhere: Stories of resilience remind us of the power of determination and hope.
As a proud advocate for CILEx and its mission, I look forward to continuing these conversations and championing positive change in the legal field.
If you are curious about CILEx, its qualification routes, or how our criminal defence solicitors work, feel free to reach out - I’m always happy to share my journey.