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ILEX Legal Executive Lawyer Qualifications

This section contains all you need to know about how to study to qualify as a Legal Executive Lawyer and become a Fellow of ILEX. ILEX offers the most accessible and affordable qualifications to become a qualified lawyer and/or a fee earner.

This is the ideal career route for you if you want to become a lawyer, whether you are a recent school leaver; a graduate; hold an LPC or a BVC; work in a legal support role; are a mature student; wish to change career; or need to juggle your work and study with your family commitments.

If you want more information on the ILEX route, visit our dedicated careers site, www.ilexcareers.org.uk

To pursue a career as a Legal Executive lawyer, students must successfully complete (or be granted exemption from) the following qualifications:

Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice

The Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice is the first stage on the path to becoming a Legal Executive. It is set and assessed at 'A' level standard. Students may complete the smaller (5 unit)  Level 3 Certificate in Law and Practice en route to achieving the Professional Diploma.

ILEX Level 6 Level 6 Professional Higher Diploma in Law and Practice 

The Level 6 Professional Higher Diploma in Law and Practice is the second stage of training to become a Legal Executive. The qualification is set and assessed at honours degree level. Students must achieve one Level 6 Legal Practice Unit, three Level 6 Law units and both Professional Skills units. One Law Unit must be in an area of law which underpins the practice area taken. 


The ILEX Graduate 'Fast-Track' Diploma

The ILEX Graduate 'Fast-Track' Diploma offers a route to become a Graduate Member of ILEX and completion of the ILEX academic requirements to become a qualified lawyer.

The ILEX Graduate 'Fast-Track' Diploma is a new qualification designed solely to accredit legal practice knowledge and understanding.

It is aimed at individuals (such as law graduates) with significant and broad experience of the law, but who need a qualification in relation to Legal Practice in order to complete their legal studies.

If you already hold a qualifying law degree awarded within the last seven years, you just need to study two ILEX Level 6 Practice units (one of which must relate to the subjects you studied within your law degree), and the ILEX Level 6 Client Care Skills unit to complete your academic studies.


The ILEX Level 6 Single Subject Certificate

The ILEX Level 6 Single Subject Certificate offers recognition of achievement to legal professionals working towards a specific area of Law or Practice. It enables students to achieve a recognised national qualification in an individual subject of law, legal practice or legal skill.

The Single Subject certificate itself will not confer any of the benefits of membership of ILEX, but is a recognised stand-alone qualification.


An introduction to Law and Practice

 For students who are seeking an introduction to Law and Practice - the Level 3 Certificate in Law and Legal Practice provides a short but rounded qualification in Law and Legal Practice. The qualification can be achieved in a variety of ways to meet the needs of students either working in or interested in a specific area of Legal Practice.