A Legal Executive is a qualified legal professional who specialises in a particular area of law, such as conveyancing, family law, or criminal law. Legal Executives carry out similar work to solicitors, including giving legal advice, preparing legal documents, and representing clients in certain courts. However, the route to qualification is more vocational and practical, making it a popular choice for those who wish to earn while they learn. Legal Executives often work in law firms, local authorities, or in-house legal departments for companies. The role involves direct contact with clients, research, and case management. Many Legal Executives go on to become partners in law firms or continue to qualify as solicitors.
Legal Executives in the UK typically earn between £20,000 and £55,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
As of 2023, there are over 20,000 Chartered Legal Executives and trainees registered with CILEx (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) in the UK.
Most Legal Executives work 37 to 40 hours per week, usually during regular office hours.
A specialist in property law, focusing on the legal aspects of buying and selling houses and land.
An expert who deals with legal matters such as divorce, child custody, and adoption.
A legal professional who assists clients with claims relating to accidents and injuries.
Research what legal executives do, the skills required, and the typical work environment.
Read about the daily tasks of legal executives on websites like the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx). Talk to professionals or attend career events to find out more about the profession.
Decide which area of law interests you, such as family, criminal, or property law.
Legal executives usually specialise in one area. Consider what subjects you enjoy and look into the types of law practised in your preferred firms or organisations.
Enrol on the CILEx route, starting with the CILEx Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice.
The CILEx pathway allows you to train while working, making it accessible if you want to earn and learn. You can start after GCSEs or A-levels, or after a degree. After Level 3, progress to the CILEx Level 6 Diploma.
Work in a legal environment, such as a law firm or legal department, to gain practical experience.
You must complete a period of qualifying employment (usually three years) to become a Chartered Legal Executive. This can be done alongside your studies, often as a paralegal or trainee.
Once you have completed your studies and qualifying employment, apply to become a Chartered Legal Executive.
Fellowship is the final stage, giving you the right to use the title 'Chartered Legal Executive' and undertake reserved legal activities. You will need references and evidence of your work.
Continue to develop your expertise and consider further progression, such as specialising further or moving into management.
Legal executives can progress to senior roles or even qualify as solicitors with additional training. Keep learning and networking to enhance your career.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Legal Executive. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Legal Executive is a qualified legal professional who specialises in specific areas of law, often handling casework independently. This role closely aligns with the responsibilities of a Legal Executive, as both involve legal expertise and the practice of law within a structured framework.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a law degree, or a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) if your degree is not in law. You would then do:
You'll usually need:
You could take the following college courses to qualify:
After completing a college qualification, you would do a 3-year period of qualifying employment. This means you'll carry out legal work under the supervision of a solicitor, senior chartered legal executive, barrister or licensed conveyancer.
You could do this in a legal practice, a legal department of a private company or in a government department.
You'll usually need:
You could take start by taking a Paralegal Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
You could then move on to a:
As part of an apprenticeship you will study to gain the following professional qualifications:
You'll usually need:
A lot of people work for a law firm and study for qualifications part time.
You could study for CILEx qualifications even if you're not working in a legal environment, as long as you meet their entry requirements. Qualifications may be studied full-time, part-time or by distance learning.
You'll still need some work experience to give you a chance of finding a job once you're qualified.
You can get more details about a legal executive career from:
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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