The legal executive profession is to be officially recognised and protected through new legislation unanimously passed by the Senate.The Legal Executives (Registration) Act ensures that legal executives must reach a minimum standard of expertise and knowledge to “protect the job title.”Legal executives will also set up a self-regulating body and establish their own code of conduct to raise their own profile and professionalism.Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Kim Wilson introduced the new law to the Senate saying it would serve to enhance “a virtually unrecognised profession.”Senator Wilson said: “We are not creating an occupation that doesn’t already exist.“We are heightening the profile and professionalism of legal executives.“This will help to regulate them and make sure the term legal executive can’t be used by anyone who is not registered on the register.”Sen Wilson added that the passing of the Act “couldn’t be more timely” as people looked for meaningful employment opportunities during the economic downturn.She added that she hoped the new law would encourage young Bermudians to follow the “stable and respectful career.”Independent Senator Walwyn Hughes said it seemed to be an “evidently sensible” piece of legislation.He said: “I know legal executives do lots of good things. This matter may seem mundane, but it has to be done.“This is another avenue to support employment in Bermuda and I’m very happy to support it.”Shadow National Security Minister Michael Dunkley said the One Bermuda Alliance supported the new lawHe said: “It’s always good to be recognised and to have some formal standards to adhere to.”Sen Dunkley did however question the $25 registration fee saying “that would seem a very nominal fee for most working professionals.”He also said he wanted to make sure there wasn’t a “broad brush approach” saying legal executives shouldn’t be struck off the register for relatively minor breaches.The new law has been in the pipeline since January 2006 when the chairman of the UK’s Institute of Legal Executives first approached the then Attorney General. It has received widespread support from three Attorneys General, as well as those in the profession.