Brightlink Learning engages former CILEX Membership Director Lynne Squires as Strategic Partnerships Advisor

Brightlink Learning announces that it has engaged Lynne Squires as Strategic Partnerships Advisor, drawing on the expertise of one of the most experienced and well-respected figures in legal education, membership and employer engagement.

Lynne provides consultancy services through her own practice, Southall Consultants Ltd, and will advise Brightlink on an independent consultancy basis, alongside her work with other clients across the professional education sector.

With a career spanning more than 20 years at CILEX, Lynne has played a significant role in supporting legal professionals, employers, training providers and aspiring lawyers across England and Wales.

Most recently, Lynne served as Director of Membership and previously as Strategic Partnerships Director at CILEX, where she worked closely with employers, members, training providers and legal organisations to support workforce development, professional progression and access to legal careers.

Prior to these roles, Lynne spent over 17 years helping to develop and grow CILEX, serving as Regional Development Officer for Wales and the Southwest, Business Development Manager and national Head of Business Development. Throughout her career, she has advised employers, legal professionals, aspiring lawyers and training providers on legal qualifications, professional development and routes into the profession.

Lynne is particularly well known within the Welsh legal community, having spent more than a decade supporting legal employers, education providers and members throughout Wales. She has also contributed extensively to the wider profession through roles including Deputy Chair of the Legal Wales Foundation, Committee Member of the CILEX South Wales Branch, and Treasurer and Committee Member of the Association of Women Solicitors.

As Strategic Partnerships Advisor, Lynne will support Brightlink to build new and strengthen existing relationships, providing independent advice and guidance to Brightlink, its employer partners and stakeholders Her work will help the organisation continue to deliver exceptional support to employer partners as they develop legal talent through apprenticeships, professional qualifications and workforce development initiatives.

Lorna Baldry, Chief Executive Officer of Brightlink Learning, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to be working with Lynne. We have worked together before, for many years and I always enjoyed that so much and respected her work. Lynne’s reputation within the legal profession speaks for itself, and her experience in legal education, employer engagement and professional development is exceptional.

Many of our employer partners and stakeholders will already know Lynne through her work with CILEX and the wider legal community. She brings an unrivalled understanding of the legal education landscape, together with a genuine passion for supporting people to achieve their potential.

Being able to draw on Lynne’s independent advice is a significant step for Brightlink and one that will bring enormous benefit to our learners, employer partners and the wider legal community.”

The engagement comes during a period of continued growth for Brightlink Learning, which supports legal employers and aspiring legal professionals through apprenticeships, CILEX qualifications, SQE preparation, professional development programmes and careers guidance.

Lynne’s involvement further strengthens Brightlink’s ability to support employers, learners and stakeholders across the legal sector, while reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to widening access to legal careers and developing the next generation of legal professionals.

Lynne Squires, Director of Southall Consultants Ltd said:

“Having worked with Lorna throughout much of my time at CILEX, I’ve had the privilege of watching Brightlink grow from a concept into a genuinely successful and values‑driven provider. I’ve seen their work first‑hand and heard consistently positive feedback from their clients, so taking Brightlink on as a client was an easy decision. Their commitment to exceptional customer service has always stood out, and I look forward to offering my independent insights to support their continued growth and the development of legal talent across the sector.”

Lynne will begin working with Brightlink from 17 September 2026.

About Southall Consultants Ltd

Southall Consultants Ltd is an independent consultancy providing strategic partnership, membership and business development advice to organisations across the legal and professional education sectors.

About Brightlink Learning

Brightlink Learning is a specialist legal education and training provider supporting learners, employers and aspiring legal professionals across the UK and internationally. The organisation delivers legal apprenticeships, CILEX qualifications, SQE preparation, Paralegal training, professional development programmes and careers guidance designed to widen access to legal careers and support workforce development across the legal sector.

Email: connect@brightlink.org.uk

Telephone: 02921 888386