Introductory Paralegal Qualifications

Together with City & Guilds, ILEX offers a range of qualifications as an introduction to studying law. They are ideal if a candidate has not studied for some time or if they have not studied above GCSE level (or equivalent) in the past. They are designed as an entry-level qualification for paralegals. They are also ideal if a candidate wants to be a Legal Executive student but does not fulfill the recommended minimum qualifications for the ILEX route to becoming a lawyer, or if they want an introduction to law.

The City & Guilds/ILEX Level 2 qualification in Legal Studies has a flexible approach and allows candidates to choose which route to study.  There are three outcomes to this Level 2 qualification, an Award, a Certificate or a Diploma.  Each qualification comprises of units and the candidate will need to complete:

• Unit 201 plus one unit from 203 - 210 for the Award
• Units 201 and 202 plus one unit from 203 - 210 for the Certificate
• Units 201 and 202 plus four units from 203 - 210 for the Diploma.

To achieve any of the above qualifications, the candidate will need to pass an externally set multiple-choice test as well as a series of assignments.

This qualification is accredited and included on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).

Click on the links below for full details of each syllabus.

Unit 201: The Legal Environment

• Explain the purpose of law
• Describe the main sources of English Law
• Explain the operation of the legal system.

Unit 202: Principles of Liability

• Explain the principles of liability in relation to criminal law
• Identify the key elements of a contract and apply contract law
• Explain the legal requirements needed to establish negligence.

Unit 203: Principles of Criminal Law

• Explain the key elements of criminal liability
• Explain the principles of offences against the person
• Explain the principles of offences against property
• Explain the criminal process.

Unit 204: Principles of Debt Recovery

• Explain the structure and jurisdiction of the civil courts
• Explain pre-action
• Describe the documentation required for commencement of a debt recovery action
• Describe the trial process and how a claim can terminate without trial
• Explain methods of enforcement.

Unit 205: Law in the Workplace

• Distinguish between a self employed person and an employed person
• Explain the importance of a contract of employment
• Explain how contracts of employment can be terminated
• Identify the requirements of an effective working environment.

Unit 206: Personal Injury Procedures

• Explain the civil court structure and Civil Procedure Rules
• Explain pre-action matters
• Describe how a civil action may be financed
• Explain how to progress a case through County or High Court
• Explain post-trial enforcement.

Unit 207: Consumer Rights

• Explain the nature of a consumer contract 
• Explain the statutory protection available to the consumer 
• Explain the purpose of damages in consumer protection contracts 
• Explain the role of consumer support organisations. 

Unit 208: Family Law

• Explain the requirements for a valid marriage 
• Explain the breakdown of a marriage 
• Describe ancillary relief in relation to divorce 
• Explain the provisions relating to children following the breakdown of a marriage. 

Unit 209: Probate Practice and Administration

• Describe the basic principles of Will drafting 
• Explain probate procedure in taking initial instructions and formalities 
• Explain how to administer, wind up and distribute an estate 
• Explain basic post grant matters.

Unit 210: Conveyancing

• Distinguish between land and property
• Describe land registration
• Explain the concept of the mortgage
• Describe the legal procedures for transferring land from a seller to a buyer.