LEGAL executives throughout York and North Yorkshire are being urged to join the area’s first branch of the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) which has just been set up.

Legal executives carry out similar work to solicitors, often in specific areas of law, such as debt recovery or employment, but can provide legal advice in all sectors and can set up their own practices. There are various ILEX branches throughout the UK.

A group of legal executives from law firms throughout York and North Yorkshire have joined forces to start the branch which will have its official launch at Bettys of York on July 3 and is hoping to attract as many members as possible.

The founding committee comprises chairman Patricia White, of Pinkney Grunwells, Scarborough; vice chairman Caroline Hurst, of Langleys; secretary Emma Major, of Denison Till; and treasurer Donata Crossfield, of Ingrams, all of York.

Programme and events co-ordinators are Jo Broadhead, of Raworths, and Hannah Ruddy, of McCormicks, both of Harrogate.

The ILEX York and North Yorkshire Branch, which will be self-funding, aims to raise the profile of legal executive work, help members with their studies and advise those interested in joining the profession.

The branch also seeks to work alongside organisations including schools, colleges and universities.

Ms White, said: “There are 350 legal executives in York and North Yorkshire and they have long deserved a branch such as ours to support, and raise the profile of, ILEX’s role within the legal sector.”