A Legal Executive is a qualified lawyer specialising in a particular area of law, such as conveyancing, family law, or criminal law. Legal executives are similar to solicitors but have a different route of qualification, often involving work-based learning and study through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx). They handle legal matters, give advice to clients, draft legal documents, and may represent clients in court. Legal executives often work within law firms, local authorities, or in-house legal departments. This role is suitable for people who have strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and an interest in the legal system.
Legal executives in the UK typically earn between £20,000 and £60,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There are over 20,000 Chartered Legal Executives and trainees in England and Wales.
It usually takes around 4 years to qualify as a chartered legal executive if studying part-time while working.
Specialises in legal work relating to the buying and selling of property, including preparing contracts and dealing with land registration.
Focuses on legal matters such as divorce, child custody, and other issues relating to families and relationships.
Works on cases involving accidents and injuries, helping clients to claim compensation for harm suffered.
Obtain at least five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9, including English and Maths.
Most legal careers require a strong foundation in core subjects, especially English for communication and Maths for analytical skills. These GCSEs are necessary for progressing to further education and future legal qualifications.
Study A-levels or an equivalent qualification, ideally including law or related subjects.
While law is not always required, subjects like history, English, or business studies are helpful. Achieving good grades at this stage will increase your chances of being accepted onto legal training programmes.
Join the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) as a student member.
Membership with CILEx is essential for accessing their training and qualification routes. You can apply online, and membership gives you access to resources, events, and guidance throughout your studies.
Study for the CILEx Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice, followed by the Level 6 Diploma.
These qualifications are equivalent to A-levels and an honours degree, respectively. You can study part-time or full-time, and some employers may sponsor your studies while you work.
Secure employment in a legal environment, such as a law firm or legal department.
Many Legal Executives work while studying, gaining valuable practical experience. Typical roles include paralegal, legal assistant, or trainee Legal Executive. This experience is required for full qualification.
Undertake at least three years of qualifying employment in legal work supervised by a qualified lawyer.
This period allows you to apply your academic learning in practice. You will need to record your work and have it verified by your employer and CILEx to demonstrate your competence.
Submit your application for fellowship, providing evidence of qualifications and work experience.
Once accepted, you will become a Chartered Legal Executive, able to use the letters FCILEx after your name. You can then progress in your legal career or consider further specialisation or management roles.
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 certain areas of law and helps prepare cases and provide legal advice, aligning most closely with the role of a Legal executive. Both positions require a solid understanding of legal procedures and involve working within the legal sector, unlike roles such as secretarial or marketing positions.
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:
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