01 February 2011
Shorter degree courses are not the only way to reduce student
debt
In response to the recent announcement by the College of Law
that they are developing a two-year law degree, the Institute of
Legal Executives (ILEX) is reminding aspiring lawyers that there
are other ways of reducing potential student debt.
Chief Executive of ILEX, Diane Burleigh, said: “While the
College of Law is hoping to launch a shorter degree to reduce
student debt, ILEX has been training high quality lawyers for
almost 50 years with little or no debt at the end of their
study.”
The unique way in which ILEX works allows students to study
legal qualifications, equivalent to an A-level and degree in law,
while they work in the legal sector. This means they have a full
time wage which can help off set any study costs, what’s more a
survey carried out in October 2010 found that 60% of ILEX students
have all their course and exam fees paid for by their
employers.
As ILEX allows students to work as they study, there is also the
added benefit of not having to worry about finding a job at the end
of their studies.
“ILEX was created and designed to ensure that intelligent and
hardworking aspiring lawyers, who may not come from privileged
backgrounds, have a quality route to a career in law.” Adds Diane.
“We work closely with Government and the Ministry of Justice and
are one of just three main regulators of the legal profession in
England and Wales, so ILEX qualifications truly are viable
alternatives to the LLB.”
But ILEX qualifications don’t just end with a law degree
equivalent. Students who may have decided to take a traditional
route can also benefit from ILEX’s experience and knowledge. ILEX’s
popular Graduate Fast Track Diploma is aimed at law graduates in
place of the LPC or BPTC and costs just under £2,000 helping
students to significantly reduce debt and remove the need to get a
training contract or pupillage.
Diane concludes: “With students, and the parents of future
students, becoming more and more concerned about the debt they may
have after university, they are seeking alternative learning
methods. ILEX is ahead of the game in keeping student debt low
while still providing well respected qualifications. Our knowledge
and experience will continue to ensure aspiring Legal Executive
Lawyers are well placed to provide the quality legal services
consumers expect and deserve.”
ENDS