Whiteley: Lawyer appointed as chairwoman of new group

Sarah Lightfoot-Webber from Lawcomm Solicitors has been appointed as chairwoman of the new Portsmouth and Fareham CILEx branch.

CILEx is the professional body for chartered legal executives, legal practitioners, paralegals and apprentices.

Lightfoot-Webber, head of family law at Whiteley-based Lawcomm, was instrumental in setting up the new branch for Portsmouth and Fareham and says she’s looking forward to providing support for local law students.

She said: “When I first started working at Lawcomm in 2017 my options for a local branch were just a little too far away from the office. I discussed the idea of a Portsmouth and Fareham branch with my colleagues and other CILEx members and I’m so pleased that after receiving overwhelming support, we’ve made it a reality”.

“The new Portsmouth and Fareham branch wants to give students the support they need, to have an opportunity to find study partners or groups, and to create a network of mentors to support them throughout their studying, training and into their early careers. We want to provide opportunities for continued learning and development, to attend seminars and talks from a variety of different sectors; and of course we want to provide fun, social events.”

The new branch is set to be launched with a special event in September.

Bill Dhariwal, managing director of Lawcomm, said: “We’re very proud of Sarah being appointed as chairwoman and helping to set up the new branch. Our lawyers are all highly-motivated and always willing to find a solution to any problem. Sarah’s a great example.”