Introductory Paralegal Qualifications

Together with City and Guilds, ILEX offers a range of qualifications as an introduction to studying law. They are ideal if you have not studied for some time or if you 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 you want to be Legal Executive student but do not fulfill the recommended minimum qualifications for the ILEX route to becoming a lawyer, or if you want an introduction to law.

Student can choose one of the three routes available to study at level 2: the Award, Certificate or Diploma route. Each qualification is made up of units. Students 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.

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