Independent practice rights 2025 – how could you benefit?

For CILEX members considering applying for independent practice rights, CILEx Regulation gives advice on how you could benefit and the available routes to accreditation

If you are aiming to advance your career, obtaining practice rights can offer several key benefits. The most significant advantage is the ability to perform work in reserved activities independently, without supervision.

This not only grants you greater autonomy, but also the authority to supervise others in the same field. Additionally, authorisation underscores your high professional standards, providing reassurance to your clients and opening up opportunities for career progression within your firm, including supervisory and leadership roles.

For those seeking greater flexibility and control, gaining practice rights can be the first step towards establishing your own CILEx Regulation-regulated firm. In conveyancing, HM Land Registry requires legal professionals to have practice rights to sign off on documentation submitted to it. 

“For those seeking greater flexibility and control, gaining practice rights can be the first step towards establishing your own CILEx Regulation-regulated firm”

There are six independent practice rights available across different areas of law. These are detailed in the table below, which outlines the various requirements and routes for each area.

All areas require applicants to have five years of legal experience. Portfolio applicants must also have two years of experience in the specific area of law they are applying for, immediately preceding the application. Portfolio applications can be submitted at any time once the requirements have been met.

* Probate and Conveyancing applicants can be a non-member and still apply to become a practitioner; however, you would need to demonstrate five years’ relevant experience.

Portfolio route

Further details of this route together with the application form, handbooks and examples can be found on the CILEx Regulation website.

University of Law course (ULaw)

The ULaw route has proved to be a popular alternative to the portfolio route, with over 75% of members passing the assessments at first sitting. ULaw currently delivers three courses per year in the four areas of civil litigation, conveyancing, family litigation and probate.

Find out more about University of Law routes.

If you have any questions, please contact: practicerights@cilexregulation.org.uk