Welcome to CILEx

The routes to becoming a lawyer can be many and varied. Sometimes, the law finds you, and sometimes you will find the law. There is the all-singing , all-dancing , traditional, well-tried and tested, well-known , and now very expensive, graduate - followed by vocational training - route, as well as legal apprenticeships and work-based learning skills development where the financial impact is lessened.

Again and again, legal journals carry articles espousing the profession’s commitments to inclusion, social mobility and diversity, but does this translate into the workplace and the workforce? Sadly, there remain recruitment practices that do not meet basic requirements for equality of opportunity, and there is still the potential for social class - and perceptions about culture and social skills - to interfere with choosing the most able, resilient and capable candidates.

But do not be despondent: be brave and inspired! The world of the law is changing: apprenticeships are gaining ground; and employability has become more than a buzzword. The gates are opening and the glass ceiling is shattering! The law will not, for much longer, remain reserved for the products of elite schooling and privilege.

Now is the time to find out what lies ahead for you. How will you plan your studies, your work and, indeed, the rest of your life? Starting out can bring its own challenges, but making progress at the same time as being laden with student debt seems even more of an uphill struggle. So, for those of you who do not choose the university path and who have no wish to do so, there are other ways to end up with legal qualifications and practising law: yes, it’s the CILEx route, and we even have our own CILEx law school.

CILEx - the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives - is the professional membership body, approved regulator under the Legal Services Act 2007, and awarding body for Chartered Legal Executives, paralegals and other legal practitioners. This is the only route to becoming a qualified lawyer in the UK which is open to anyone regardless of education, background or previous employment. There is also access for law and non-law graduates.

We have affordable, high-quality qualifications that are well regarded and sought after by a range of employers: from law firms to government departments. Our students work, and about 70% are supported financially through their courses by their employers.

You don’t need to commit to full-time study: CILEx qualifications can be undertaken by online or part-time study. They are also flexible enough to be factored into the busiest and most demanding of lives; so, you can get started and see how it goes.

Legal apprenticeships are the ‘new kids on the block’ , with in-house legal departments, law firms and large corporates deciding that taking up CILEx-run legal apprenticeships are the way forward. These are structured programmes of learning consisting of vocational ‘onthe-job ’ training and competence-based qualifications and academic learning, all of which can lead to a formal, knowledge-based qualification. With approximately 360 of these apprentices working in England and Wales, their impact is starting to be felt.

Legal apprentices can also continue their CILEx studies to qualify as CILEx Fellows, with all the opportunities this standing brings. This career pathway to practice and the earn-as-you-learn model ensures invaluable experience, greater employability, and more exposure to promotion opportunities.

If you want to become a specialist lawyer more quickly, we can make that happen too. Following the CILEx route, members can specialise rapidly. Individual units can be studied and are suitable for all areas of practice; for example, single units in employment law are available.

So, where does it all lead to? Chartered Legal Executives have some of the widest career options: careers in the judiciary; in the coronial service; or choosing a specialism, such as conveyancing, probate, advocacy or litigation. Developing specialist expertise, underpinned by the highest professional standards and the safeguards that come with sound regulation, gives the public trust and confidence in the CILEx brand and in our practitioners. Chartered status is a mark of quality assurance and professionalism that is recognised throughout the world.

From school leavers to retired professionals, people from all walks of life are to be found at our annual graduation and admissions ceremonies. Very soon, you could be coming along to meet us and tell us your story.

We wish you good luck as you embark upon your studies. Remember that we are here to help you - just get in touch.

• For further advice on all aspects of your career development, visit the CILEx Careers website or telephone: 01234 841000