Your Comprehensive Guide to
Becoming a CILEX Lawyer
Dreaming of a career in law but don’t fancy the traditional solicitor route? Becoming a CILEX Lawyer could be the perfect alternative! It’s a flexible, affordable way to qualify as a lawyer, allowing you to earn while you learn and specialise early in your career.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
What a CILEX Lawyer is
What they do
How to become a CILEX Lawyer
How they compare to solicitors
Salary expectations
Why this route might be perfect for you
Let’s dive in! 🚀
What is a CILEX Lawyer?
A CILEX Lawyer is a fully qualified legal professional who has trained through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) – a leading body for legal professionals in the UK.
Unlike solicitors, who follow the traditional law degree → LPC → training contract path, CILEX Lawyers qualify through a more flexible, hands-on route. They can specialise in areas like family law, criminal law, corporate law, and more – often much earlier than their solicitor counterparts.
Here’s what makes CILEX Lawyers unique:
✅ They qualify without a law degree
✅ They can work while they study, gaining real-world experience
✅ They can apply for practice rights, allowing them to run their own legal practice
✅ They are widely respected in law firms, businesses, and public sector roles
If you’re looking for a practical, affordable way into law, this could be your ideal path.
What do CILEX Lawyers do?
CILEX Lawyers do many of the same things as solicitors, including:
- Giving Legal Advice – Helping clients understand their rights and legal options.
- Drafting Legal Documents – Writing contracts, wills, agreements, and more.
- Handling Cases & Negotiations – Managing cases from start to finish, negotiating settlements.
- Representing Clients in Court – If they obtain advocacy rights, they can appear in certain courts.
Where do CILEX Lawyers work?
CILEX Lawyers work in all sorts of legal environments, including:
🏛 Law firms – Working alongside solicitors and barristers.
🏢 Businesses – In-house legal teams handling contracts and disputes.
⚖️ Public sector – Local councils, regulatory bodies, government agencies.
🚔 Police & CPS – Assisting in criminal cases and prosecutions.
Basically, if there’s law involved, there’s a place for CILEX Lawyers!
How do you Become a CILEX Lawyer?
One of the best things about the CILEX route is its flexibility. You can study at your own pace while working and gaining experience.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Start the CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ)
CILEX recently introduced the CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ), which replaces the older pathways. It has three levels, depending on your experience:
💡 Got a law degree? You can skip most of the Foundation Stage, with the CILEX Graduate Qualification!
Step 2: Gain Work Experience
To qualify as a CILEX Lawyer, you’ll need qualifying work experience (QWE), which means:
✅ At least 3 years of working in a legal setting
✅ Gaining hands-on experience in real cases
✅ Keeping a log of your work to demonstrate your skills
This is similar to a solicitor’s training contract, but way more flexible. You can complete it while studying, meaning you start earning much sooner.
Step 3: Apply for CILEX Lawyer Status
Once you’ve completed your CPQ and QWE, you can apply to become a CILEX Lawyer, gaining full legal practice rights in your chosen specialism.
💡 Already working in law? You might be able to fast-track your qualification through CILEX’s exemptions!
CILEX Lawyers vs Solicitors: What’s the difference?
Both CILEX Lawyers and solicitors are fully qualified legal professionals, but their training routes and career structures differ.
👉 Key takeaway: CILEX Lawyers can do most of what solicitors do, but qualify through a more practical and affordable route.
How much do CILEX Lawyers earn?
Salaries depend on experience, location, and area of specialism. Here’s a rough guide:
💰 Entry-Level CILEX Professionals: £20,000 – £30,000
💰 Qualified CILEX Lawyers: £40,000 – £60,000
💰 Senior CILEX Lawyers & Partners: £70,000+
💰 Specialist CILEX Lawyers (Corporate, Commercial Law): £100,000+
Not bad for a route that avoids student debt, right?
Why choose the CILEX route?
Still not sure if CILEX is right for you? Here’s why so many people choose it:
✅ Lower cost – No £9,250-per-year university fees!
✅ Work while you study – No need to quit your job.
✅ Flexible qualification – Progress at your own pace.
✅ Respected in the industry – CILEX Lawyers are in high demand.
✅ Career progression – Move into senior roles, become a partner, or even transition into a solicitor.
For many, it’s a smart, practical alternative to the solicitor route.
FAQs
Can a CILEX Lawyer become a solicitor?
Yes! With additional qualifications, a CILEX Lawyer can transition into a solicitor role if they wish.
How long does it take to qualify?
Most people qualify in 4-6 years, but fast-track options exist for those with legal experience.
Can CILEX Lawyers open their own law firms?
Yes! With the right practice rights, CILEX Lawyers can set up and run their own legal practice.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a flexible, cost-effective way into law, becoming a CILEX Lawyer is a fantastic option. You’ll gain real-world experience, specialise early, and avoid the high costs and long study times of the traditional solicitor route.
Want to learn more? Check out CILEX’s official website or speak to a member of the Astranti team, who can help get you started on the right route for you.
Thinking about this route? Drop your questions below! 👇😊
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