Message to members – Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys: FAQs
These FAQs are regularly updated with the latest information available at the time. If you’re unsure about any of the information included in these FAQs, please contact us.
Last updated 2 April 2026
Post Appeal judgment FAQs
1. What happens now CILEX’s appeal has been successful?
This is the most consequential judgment for legal services in recent history: It is a victory for CILEX members but also for access to justice, the interests of consumers and the encouragement of a thriving, diverse and competitive legal sector.
The judgment has confirmed that the current wording of the legislation, when properly interpreted and applied, permits unauthorised persons to conduct litigation under supervision from an authorised person. CILEX will therefore be working with regulatory bodies, the Legal Services Board (LSB), other professional bodies and the government to ensure that any new associated guidance is consistent.
We know that CRL is working with regulators and stakeholders to update their guidance to reflect the full implications of the appeal judgment. In the meantime, please refer to CRL’s Mazur information hub
2. Now the Mazur decision has been overturned, do I still need to get practice rights?
CILEX believes that the acquisition of practice rights is still an appropriate level of authorisation for its members to achieve within their area of specialism. That was why, when our qualifications were revised, leading to the introduction of the CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ), practice rights were made integral to that qualification.
Having Practice Rights enables you to carry on the conduct of litigation in your own right, including being responsible for the work of unauthorised staff to whom you can delegate. So, gaining practice rights remains an important potential step to advancing your career. For pre-CPQ CILEX Lawyers, the need to acquire those rights remains a matter of individuals’ professional judgment and guidance from CRL which is independent of CILEX.
3. I began the process of gaining practice rights due to Mazur but now feel I don’t need them. Can I get a refund?
The process for the acquisition and award of practice rights is a regulatory one and any such request should be directed to CILEx Regulation.
Having Practice Rights enables you to carry on the conduct of litigation in your own right, including being responsible for the work of unauthorised staff to whom you can delegate. So, gaining practice rights remains an important potential step to advancing your career. For pre-CPQ CILEX Lawyers, the need to acquire those rights remains a matter of individuals’ professional judgment and guidance from CRL.
4. Your communications around practice rights have not always been consistent – do you accept CILEX got it wrong in the past?
CILEX’s intention has always been to give sound guidance and support on practice rights, based on the latest information and guidance provided by our independent regulator CILEx Regulation.
As many across the profession, including the Legal Services Consumer Panel, have pointed out, the appeal revealed a fundamental failure of the regulatory framework. The evidence presented demonstrated that while organisations across the sector – including CILEX – were acting in good faith, they were attempting to work with a framework that lacked clarity and was not fit for purpose. The judgment itself rightly labels that attempt as a ‘scramble’.
We brought this appeal to try and get certainty for our members so that they can move on with their careers. We will now look to lobby the government to address some of the regulatory shortcomings highlighted by this process. We will also be working closely with our independent regulator CILEx Regulation to improve alignment in communications and guidance to CILEX members.