Unlock your potential with CILEX membership
Gain recognition for your professional status and become part of a forward-thinking
community of over 18,000 paralegals and specialised lawyers shaping the legal
profession.
Your career journey with CILEX
Choose your career path
We offer two distinct membership pathways, depending on your current experience and desired career goal; CILEX Lawyer or CILEX Chartered Paralegal. This offers you the opportunity to follow the route that’s most suitable for you.
Qualify as a CILEX Lawyer: Practice law unrestricted and at the highest level in your specialist area
Take the Experience Assessment route to CILEX Chartered Paralegal or CILEX Paralegal member status
Why become a CILEX member?
Becoming a CILEX member sets you apart, showcasing your expertise, commitment to high standards, and ethical practice. Gain recognition with designatory letters and digital credentials while boosting your career.
Demonstrate expertise: showcase your knowledge, experience and dedication to remaining at the top of your profession.
Join a thriving community: connect with 18,000+ legal professionals for support and opportunities.
Advance in your career: meet regulatory requirements and gain practising rights.
Grow with education and CPD: Tailored learning to help you progress, from entry-level to leadership.
Champion social mobility: Support diversity and non-traditional routes into law.
Enjoy discounts to events and resources: tailored specifically to your career development needs.
Discover member benefitsCILEX membership grades
CILEX offers professional membership status depending on your circumstances and how advanced you are within your career.
The main membership grades are:
- CILEX Student: For those currently studying the Foundation Stage of the CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ) and hold no other relevant legal qualification.
- CILEX Paralegal (ACILEX): For legal professionals who have completed the Foundation Stage of the CPQ, or the previous CILEX Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice or hold a qualifying Law degree. Paralegal members can showcase their experience using the ACILEX designatory letters. There is also an experiential route for those who have a minimum of 2 years’ legal experience.
- CILEX Advanced Paralegal (MCILEX): For legal professionals who have completed the Advanced Stage of the CPQ, or the previous Level 3 and Level 6 Professional Diplomas in Law and Practice or hold an LPC or BPC. Advanced Paralegal members can showcase their experience using the MCILEX designatory letters.
- CILEX Chartered Paralegal (PCILEX): For legal professionals who have demonstrated 5+ years of legal experience and can demonstrate they meet the required competences and behaviours.
- CILEX Fellow: For legal professionals who have successfully completed the academic stages of training and have successfully met the regulator’s requirements and are authorised by CILEx Regulation. CILEX Fellows can showcase their advanced experience using the FCILEX designatory letters.
Read more about these and our other membership grades and associated fees.
What do other CILEX members say?
Ella Maidment
Watkins & Gunn
CILEX is a fantastic opportunity and the sky is the limit once I reach my end goal
Samantha Heydon
One of the big advantages of CILEX is the flexibility, it allows you to learn at your own pace, fitting around life, around work. You’re not constrained as you would be with any other coaches.
Muhammed Ahmed Shah
It was an amazing journey with CILEX. You can divide your time with the study, with your family members, with your work life as well.
Stacey Reed
For anyone considering the CILEX route, they need to give it a go. It’s so flexible, it fits in around home life, social activities, family. There’s nothing to lose. Give it a go and see how you feel.
Lindsey
I definitely recommend the CILEX route. You can work at the same time and you can balance it around everyday life. You still get the end result ultimately.