The Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) in the United Kingdom is the professional body representing more than 22,000 members.

Legal executives are qualified lawyers who have qualified by studying and working at the same time. They have their own recognised status and role within the legal profession.

They work in law firms, government departments and private companies. Their day-to-day work is similar to that of a solicitor, although the training and qualifications are different.

A branch of ILEX has existed in Bermuda since 1986 and was founded by David Addington of Mello Jones & Martin and Dennis Dwyer of Hector, Wakefield, Dwyer and Pettingill.

The objects of the Branch are to further the major purpose and function of the Institute in providing a system of education and training, leading to the production of a highly qualified expert in the area of law chosen by the student member as his or her field of specialisation.

The Bermuda College currently offers courses for the preliminary examinations of the Institute, in cooperation with the Bermuda Bar, the Bermuda Branch of ILEX and the Institute in England.

In addition, distance learning courses, of a very high standard, for those taking the Institute's examinations, leading to Fellowship qualification, are offered by ILEX Tutorial Services Limited (an accredited correspondence course) of Kempston Manor, Bedford, England.

Another arm of the ILEX organisation, ILEX (Paralegal Training) Limited provides law courses for non-lawyers and includes paralegal studies, legal secretaries' certificate courses and a vocational legal studies diploma.

The membership examinations of the Institute are set at two levels.

Part I comprises four papers which cover the English legal system and essential elements of law and practice. The standard is that of GCE "A'' level.

Part II, which is usually taken over a period of two years, comprises four specialist papers which must be passed, three in law and one in related legal practice. The law papers are set at degree level.

There are thee stages of qualification: (i) Student: Students commence their academic training by taking a series of courses, which cover most of the areas of law and legal practice encountered in the legal profession.

Although most students work in a legal environment whilst studying part-time, this is not a requirement.

(ii) Membership: Students apply for enrolment into the membership grade of ILEX on successful completion of Parts I and II of the membership qualification.

(iii) Fellowship: To achieve a full qualification of Fellow, members of ILEX must be at least 25 years of age and have had five years' experience in a legal office (including at least two years after passing all of the examinations).

Being a legal executive is an excellent career in its own right, but it is also a possible route for non-graduates who may take the benefit of various exemptions for qualification as a solicitor.

At whatever level - legal secretary, paralegal or legal executive - or for those whose career in government service or other sectors would benefit from formal legal training, ILEX provides for all training needs.

Further information may be obtained through the Bermuda College or by contacting direct the Institute of Legal Executives, Kempston Manor, Kempston, Bedford. MK42 7AB, England, telephone (01234) 841000; E-mail: info yilex.org.uk On the web: www.ilex.org.uk David J. Addington, Litigation Manager Mello Jones & Martin N.B.

This is the exact same Law Matters supplement that ran in The Royal Gazette on 20th September, 2000. However do the printing problems that affected the quality of the print, it was pulled from the circulation and did not appear again until the 9th October, 2000.