Legal executives are qualified legal professionals who specialise in a particular area of law, such as conveyancing, family law, or personal injury. They perform many of the same tasks as solicitors, including giving legal advice, preparing legal documents, and representing clients in certain courts. Legal executives often work in law firms, legal departments of companies, or within local or central government. The role involves a combination of casework, research, interviewing clients, and liaising with other legal professionals. Becoming a legal executive is a popular route into the legal profession, especially for those who wish to work and study at the same time, as the main qualification route through CILEx allows for flexible part-time study.
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 according to the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx).
It usually takes around 4 years to qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive through part-time study and work experience.
Specialises in property law, handling the legal aspects of buying and selling houses and land.
Focuses on legal matters such as divorce, child custody, and family disputes.
Deals with legal cases that go to court, representing clients in disputes such as personal injury or employment issues.
Learn what a Legal Executive does, including typical duties and work environments.
Start by reading about the role on trusted websites like the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx). Look for case studies, job profiles, and videos to get a clear idea of daily responsibilities and specialisms. Consider talking to a careers advisor or attending law career events at school or locally.
Try to get work experience or shadowing opportunities in a legal environment.
Many law firms, courts, or local authorities offer short placements or open days for students to observe legal professionals. Volunteering at a Citizens Advice Bureau or similar organisation can also provide valuable insight into legal work and help develop relevant skills.
Start the CILEx qualification route, usually beginning with the CILEx Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice.
You can undertake CILEx qualifications after GCSEs or A-levels. Many Legal Executives start with the Level 3 Diploma, which is roughly equivalent to A-level standard. Courses can be studied full-time, part-time, or by distance learning, allowing you to work at the same time if desired.
Move on to the CILEx Level 6 Professional Higher Diploma in Law and Practice.
The Level 6 Diploma is equivalent to a degree and covers advanced legal subjects and practical skills. You will specialise in a particular area of law and must pass both academic and practical assessments. Support is available from CILEx and your training provider throughout the course.
Apply for a trainee or junior position in a law firm, local authority, or legal department.
Most employers look for candidates with some legal studies and a commitment to the CILEx qualification path. You may begin as a legal assistant, paralegal, or trainee Legal Executive. Practical experience is required to complete your training portfolio for CILEx membership.
Undertake a period of qualifying employment while continuing your studies.
To become a fully qualified Legal Executive, you must complete at least three years of qualifying legal employment. During this time, you will build a portfolio of evidence showing your legal work and competence. This is assessed by CILEx before you can become a Chartered Legal Executive.
Submit your application and evidence to CILEx for admission as a Chartered Legal Executive.
Once you have completed all academic and employment requirements, you can apply to become a Chartered Legal Executive. This allows you to use the letters FCILEx after your name and gives you greater responsibility and recognition within the legal profession.
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 and often works independently within law firms or legal departments. This role closely aligns with the career title 'Legal executive,' as both involve practising law, handling legal cases, and providing legal advice, requiring similar qualifications and expertise in the legal field.
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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