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Qualifying Employment

In order to be admitted as a Chartered Legal Executive lawyer, Graduate members (i.e. members who have completed their academic training) must demonstrate that they have completed a total of 5 years’ qualifying employment.  Two of the five years must be completed in the Graduate membership grade and must be consecutive. 

Please note that this system is changing and, from June 24 2013, CILEx and IPS are implementing a system of work-based learning, More details can be found here.

Rules

The CILEx Membership Bye-laws set out the rules relating to qualifying employment. Read an overview of the bye-laws. See a full copy of the bye-laws.  

Guidance

ILEX Professional Standards (IPS) is the independent regulator of CILEx members and oversees the education, qualification and practice standards of CILEx members.  In January 2011 the IPS Admissions and Licensing Committee became responsible for considering and determining qualifying employment applications. 

Read guidance for members who are uncertain as to whether they are in qualifying employment. 

Fellowship Applications

Once you have completed your qualifying employment period and wish to be admitted as a Chartered Legal Executive you should complete a Fellowship Application

The application must be completed in accordance with the guidance developed by IPS to ensure that you are aware of the type of information required when completing the application form. 

Your completed application will be reviewed to determine whether you have demonstrated the necessary level of experience over an adequate period of time.  Where necessary, further information may be requested from you in support of your application.

In some circumstances, applications may be referred to the Admissions and Licensing Committee to determine whether you have demonstrated the necessary level of experience over an adequate period of time.

Exceptional circumstances

The information and guidance provided above relates to the normal procedure for qualifying employment.  In exceptional circumstances, you may make an application to the Admissions and Licensing Committee to waive certain qualifying employment requirements.   Different requirements apply to waiver applications. Should you wish to apply for a waiver, you should contact the CILEx Membership Team on 01234 845777 or at membership@cilex.org.uk rather than referring to this information and guidance.