Any CILEX lawyers out there?

[rumnraisins]

Hi

I have a question about CILEX as I’m looking into my options and it seems a more cost-effective route than a conversion/LLM& SQL1 prep degree.

I currently work with law but not as a paralegal. I don’t qualify for any student loans as I already have master’s in an unrelated subject. To do an LLM and then pass SQL 1 & 2 would cost roughly twice as much as CILEX - so not something I can afford without taking out a massive loan. My employer won’t sponsor.

I’m interested in family law and perhaps landlord and tenant/ public law (what I deal with atm, meaning I’d have a thorough grounding in statute, case law etc).

I’ve been looking into CILEX and it all sounds very promising. But I don’t know anyone IRL who qualified as a CILEX lawyer so just wanted to ask about people’s experiences? I know they changed the framework not that long ago but it’s still a 3- stage process, from foundation up to professional/level 6.

I’d have to start as a paralegal and just wondering whether employers see CILEX as something less? I’ve seen some anecdotal evidence of this online.

Thank you in advance!

I used to think CILEX was a great qualification route, and I have known some wonderful CILEX lawyers. I remain a member of CILEX although now a solicitor.

However with the current issues around regulation and because there are no exemptions from SQE as there used to be from LPC I would be reluctant to advise it to a new entrant.

Have you looked at the solicitor apprenticeship route? You can probably get SQE funded.

Oh and some employers do regard CILEX as inferior. Plenty don't, but you may find your earning potential is impacted.

Thank you. I have but there hasn’t been anything going near where I live, I’ve found a couple where they wanted people with actual paralegal case handling experience which I don’t have.

My employer doesn’t offer apprenticeships, unfortunately.

How are you looking for apprenticeships? They probably won't be listed on the government apprenticeship site. You will need to look at firm's own websites and it could be mixed in with training contract applications.

Remember that many firms are transitioning from the old routes to qualification to the new ones so there is a lot of change.

If you have a degree I would suggest that you apply for training contracts at firms that sponsor SQE. My firm takes people on with a degree and funds SQE, this isn't uncommon.

Have a look at Legal Cheek and FAIRE

Thank you 🙏

I’m a CILEx Fellow and I absolutely would not recommend it. I’ve given up on the CILEx practice rights as it costs £500 each time and they do not give you any feedback with the rejections. What an absolute waste of time and money.