DEGREE OF TRUTH


In the ongoing correspondence regarding solicitors not entitled to place letters after their names, it appears a further section of the legal profession has been overlooked.



I qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives in 2001 and then took the remaining ILEX 'diploma' law subjects, providing a degree equivalent recognised by the Law Society. Those who do so then complete the legal practice course and the professional skills course to be admitted. However, as a qualified solicitor there are no 'degree equivalent' letters I may use.



Few of my clients query this, and it has not troubled me. I work for a personal injury practice that values experience and ability over university attendance.



Others less fortunate have not been selected for interview in positions they felt qualified to fill, in favour of qualified solicitors with a university education, but sometimes with less practical experience.



Unfortunately, it seems that until more employers appreciate the academic qualities and experience of ILEX-qualified solicitors, the absence of letters after our names may be the least of our worries.



FS Boag, Moriarty Stone, Bristol