More graduates choose CILEx route into law

22 August 2014

Today thousands of aspiring lawyers and legal professionals will receive their exam results from the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx). Statistics released show that the number of Level 6 modules, which are set and assessed at honours degree level, sat by students has increased by 48% since the previous exam session in January.

The Level 6 modules incorporate law and Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) graduates who have enrolled on CILEx’s Graduate Fast-track Diploma (GFTD) which provides an entry point for those wanting to qualify as a lawyer without needing to undertake the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and training contract.

Figures revealed last month by the Central Applications Board admissions service showed that the number of applications for the LPC’s 2014/15 session have decreased by 10% compared to the previous year, however, the number applications for CILEx’s specialised graduate programme has increased by 32% during the same period.

Instead of undertaking a training contract or pupillage, CILEx students need to complete three years’ qualifying employment to become a Chartered Legal Executive lawyer, during which time they gain the experience to meet the Fellowship criteria.

Head of qualifications at CILEx, Vicky Purtill, said: “CILEx’s graduate route into law is becoming more and more popular which is a reflection of the credible opportunities our earn-as-you-learn route into law brings.”

More than 3,000 CILEx students will receive the results of their June exams: 66% of students will learn they have passed their Level 3 units, which are set and assessed at A Level standard, and 30% of those will learn they have attained a distinction. For the Level 6 modules, 60% have passed overall.

ENDS