Funding hike sees parity for CILEX and solicitor apprenticeships

CILEX apprenticeships now receive the same level of funding as solicitor apprenticeships after a funding uplift approved by the Department for Education led to parity of funding between apprentices qualifying as solicitors and those qualifying as CILEX Lawyers, for the first time.

Employers can now use their apprenticeship levy to cover all stages of qualifying as a CILEX Lawyer, including practice rights and advocacy training.

Those completing CILEX Lawyer apprenticeships graduate with the CPQ and receive regulatory authorisation as Chartered Legal Executives as well as practice rights enabling them to practise independently in their specialist areas as CILEX Lawyers, with parity to solicitors. 

The new apprenticeships create a progressive career pathway aligned to CILEX Paralegal and CILEX Lawyer status within CILEX. For those studying on the two-year Level 3 Paralegal or Business Administration apprenticeships there is flexibility to pursue a paralegal career or to continue to study, progressing all the way to CILEX Lawyer.

Trainee CILEX Lawyer apprentices have the opportunity to follow non-contentious (L6) pathways specialising in areas such as conveyancing, probate and immigration, or take the contentious (Level 7) route leading to qualification with civil, family or criminal litigation and advocacy rights.

 CILEX Chair, Professor Chris Bones heralded the change as “a significant milestone for CILEX” and “recognition that the CILEX route to becoming a specialist lawyer is an equally valid pathway and a vital part of creating a modern, diverse and competitive legal sector”.

He continued: “Ensuring equality of opportunity for CILEX Lawyers and removing barriers to their career development is central to our commitment to both our members and the wider justice system. This year we have seen rapid progress in this regard, with government recognition of the important role CILEX members play in the delivery of legal services demonstrated by their commitment to prioritising the legislative reforms needed to open up senior judicial positions to CILEX Lawyers and to iron out anomalies preventing members from being able to certify copies of Powers of Attorney.”

Employers interested in finding out more about apprenticeship changes and funding should visit the CILEX website.