CILEX Diploma
What is CILEx?
The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) is the recognised professional organisation for legal executives, with over 17,500 members, including 7,000 practising legal executives across England and Wales.
The standard path to becoming a legal executive is through the CILEx Professional Qualification (CPQ), which is highly regarded in the legal field. Achieving the status of Fellow of CILEx or Chartered Legal Executive significantly enhances career opportunities.
At Datalaw, our CILEx Diplomas meet CILEx Regulation’s Knowledge and Skills Education Standards, allowing candidates to practice as legal executives. Candidates who complete our diplomas can immediately pursue roles such as Trainee CILEx Lawyer, Paralegal, or Legal Clerk in a law firm and can use the title “CILEx Member Advanced Paralegal” upon registration with CILEx. Candidates can then progress onto our CILEx Professional Diploma to become a Chartered Legal Executive.
Pathways Into the Legal Sector
Achieving accreditation from CILEx Regulation is one of the many ways we enhance learning opportunities for our law students while boosting their career prospects upon graduation.
The legal field encompasses seven primary regulated professions, and earning CILEx Regulation accreditation during your studies can open doors to cross-qualification or entry into other areas of the legal profession. If you have completed your LLB, you can take the next step by enrolling in our CILEx Professional Diploma, which allows you to qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive in as little as 3 years!
Time to Qualify: 2-3 Years
These roles are entry-level positions in the legal field, involving training in certain legal areas without requiring full qualification as a lawyer. Formal qualifications are not always essential for these positions, meaning you can begin working as a Paralegal, Legal Clerk, or Trainee CILEx Lawyer immediately after graduation—or even part-time while continuing your studies.
At Datalaw, we’re here to help you achieve your legal qualifications, offering CILEX Diplomas for private study or fully funded options through our government-backed law apprenticeships.
Time to Qualify: 5 Years+
Candidates eligible to apply for a Practitioner Certificate need to have three years of general legal experience, with at least two years of recent, focused practice in their chosen specialty. This certification allows them to provide expert legal services without supervision.
At Datalaw, we’re here to help you achieve your legal qualifications, offering CILEX Diplomas for private study or fully funded options through our government-backed law apprenticeships.
Time to Qualify: 5 Years+
Chartered Legal Executive Litigators and Advocates are specialised CILEx Practitioners who handle legal disputes and represent clients in court proceedings. They are trained to manage the preparation and execution of court cases, resolving conflicts and advocating on behalf of clients in judges’ chambers. While their role is similar to that of a Solicitor or Barrister, they focus on specific legal areas of expertise.
To qualify as a CILEx Litigator or Advocate, individuals must be admitted as Fellows by CILEx Regulation, meeting the required knowledge and education criteria. They must also obtain a Rights to Conduct Litigation Certificate and a Rights of Audience Certificate. Eligible applicants need at least three years of general legal experience, with a minimum of two years’ recent practice in their chosen specialisation, to apply for these certifications through CILEx Regulation.
At Datalaw, we provide flexible pathways to legal qualification, including privately funded CILEX Diplomas and government-funded law apprenticeships.
What is the CPQ?
The CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ) is a modern, practice-focused framework designed to develop work-ready legal professionals who bring immediate value to employers and clients. Structured across three progressive stages—Foundation, Advanced, and Professional—it combines technical expertise, practical skills, and core professional behaviours essential for success in today’s legal industry.
Each stage of CPQ integrates three key components: legal knowledge and skills, ethics and professional responsibility, and hands-on professional experience. This balanced approach ensures you gain the competence, adaptability, and commercial awareness needed to excel in legal practice.
With flexible entry points based on your existing qualifications and experience, CPQ allows you to start where you’re most suited. Plus, its adaptable structure enables you to pause and resume your training, making it ideal for balancing learning with other commitments.
Looking For More Details? Download Our Programme Brochure
Choose the Right Diploma for You
CILEx Foundation
The CILEX Foundation Diploma is designed for aspiring Paralegals and Case Handlers, providing a strong grounding in the key areas of law and professional practice. The programme includes six mandatory modules: Ethics and Professional Responsibility (part 1), Professional Skills, Legal Systems, Contract Law, The Law of Tort, and Introduction to Property and Private Client. You’ll also apply this knowledge through practical Professional Experience. Upon completion, you will qualify as a CILEX Paralegal.
CILEx Advanced
The CILEX Advanced Diploma develops your technical legal knowledge, practical skills, and business awareness while ensuring adherence to professional standards. It includes four mandatory modules—Ethics and Professional Responsibility (part 2), Professional and Legal Skills, Dispute Resolution, and Criminal Law and Litigation—plus one optional module, such as Business Law, Family Law, Probate, or Property. Practical Professional Experience is required to apply your learning, and upon completion, you will qualify as a CILEX Advanced Paralegal.
CILEx Professional
The CILEX Professional Diploma prepares you to become a qualified CILEX Lawyer, combining specialist legal knowledge, practical application, and the ability to work independently to high ethical standards. It includes one mandatory module—Professional Skills—and one optional module aligned with your chosen practice area, such as Dispute Resolution, Criminal Litigation, Conveyancing, Employment Law, Family Litigation, or Probate. Your chosen module must align with an Advanced stage module to support your pathway. Upon completion, you will qualify as a CILEX Lawyer.
Frequently Asked Chartered Legal Executive & CILEx Questions
If you’re considering a career as a Chartered Legal Executive or pursuing the CILEx route, you likely have questions about the process, qualifications, and opportunities available. Below, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common queries to help you understand the pathway.
What Are the Steps to Start My Cilex Qualification?
Which Areas of Law Are Included in the CILEx Qualification?
What Is the Timeline for Completing the CILEx Qualification?
Which Countries Are CILEx Qualifications Recognised?
CILEx qualifications focus on English and Welsh law. Since many international legal systems have roots in or similarities to British law, CILEx qualifications are often acknowledged by legal regulators and professional bodies worldwide. This may allow you to adapt or convert your qualification for use in other jurisdictions.
What Are the Costs of CILEx Diplomas?
How Long Does a CILEx Qualification Remain Valid?
Trusted by Over 27,000 Professionals
Why Choose Datalaw?
- Enjoy the flexibility of 100% online learning
- Access fully funded training through the Education & Skills Funding Agency
- Benefit from one-on-one guidance and mentorship from a dedicated tutor
- Learn from industry practitioners with hands-on experience
- Put your skills to the test by working on real-world projects and challenges
- Join a network of apprentices also on their qualification journey
Ready to Begin? Register Your Interest Today!
Government Funded Route
Did you know that you can get your legal training and qualification funded through the apprenticeship route? Explore our diverse range of law apprenticeships designed to launch your career in the legal profession. Whether you aspire to become a qualified Paralegal, Legal Executive, or Solicitor, we provide the tools, guidance, and support you need to achieve your goals and build a successful future in the legal sector.
Advanced Paralegal CILEX Apprenticeship
The Advanced Paralegal CILEX Apprenticeship provides a clear pathway to becoming a Chartered Legal Executive, specialising in areas like conveyancing, family, probate, or litigation. Combining practical experience with advanced legal training, it equips apprentices with the skills to excel in their chosen legal field.
- 12-24 months duration
- Group & 1-2-1 sessions via Zoom
- CILEx qualification
Chartered Legal Executive Professional Apprenticeship
- 12-24 months duration
- Group & 1-2-1 sessions via Zoom
- CILEx qualification
Advanced Paralegal SQE Apprenticeship
- 12-24 months duration
- Group & 1-2-1 sessions via Zoom
- SQE Prep Course