CILEx v CILEX v Rex?

Could His Majesty King Charles III be dragged into the row over moves by CILEX to divorce its regulator?

The Legal Services Board has already probed the ‘apparent breakdown in relationship’ between CILEX and CILEx Regulation after their dispute flared into open civil war. Now there’s even a ‘Cilex Action Group’ – ‘Legal execs of the world unite, you have nothing to lose but your watchdog!’

CILEX’s board met last week to consider two ‘special resolutions’. The first: to consider ‘further information’ from the SRA on its proposed approach to regulating CILEX members. The second: to revise the CILEX charter and by-laws ‘to implement the outcomes of CILEX’s consultation on enhancing public trust and confidence’.

One of the revisions would increase the number of members required to call a special general meeting from 50 to 10% of the membership. Cunning, eh?

Cilex Action Group, which has requested an SGM three times in recent months, is fuming, warning that such changes would breach the organisation’s royal charter.

According to the Privy Council Office, amendments to charters can be made only with the agreement of the King-in-Council, while amendments to the body’s by-laws or statutes require the Privy Council’s approval.

CILEX maintains that it remains in compliance with its charter and by-laws. Following the meeting, it said the board discussed necessary changes to the charter and by-laws arising from its consultation and the SRA’s response.

‘Both remain subject to internal board consideration, and we will make an announcement once the next steps are confirmed,’ CILEX said.

Keep on passing the popcorn.