Exploring Three Pathways That Lead to CILEx Practice Rights
Securing CILEx Practice Rights is becoming a popular goal for many people entering the legal profession. It offers a respected and flexible path into authorised practice. In addition, it provides an alternative to traditional solicitor routes, which can often be more expensive and demanding.
At Datalaw, learners can choose from three clear pathways. Each one helps you develop the knowledge, skills and competence needed to achieve Chartered status and move into authorised practice within your chosen area of law.
Understanding the Three Qualification Pathways
Datalaw offers three approved routes that all lead to Chartered status and CILEx Practice Rights. As a result, you can choose the option that matches your education, experience, and career goals.
- Non-Graduate Private Route
- Graduate Private Route
- Chartered Legal Executive Apprenticeship
Although each route is different, they all lead to the same professional outcome. Each one contains integrated training and practice-rights requirements, so you do not need to complete extra steps after finishing your qualification.
Non-Graduate Private Route
The Non-Graduate Private Route is ideal for learners without a law degree. It begins with core legal knowledge and then moves into specialist legal practice. For example, you can choose Civil Litigation, Conveyancing, Family, Criminal Litigation, Immigration, Employment, Business, or Probate.
This pathway includes the full set of competencies required for authorisation. Therefore, once you complete the programme, you can progress directly to CILEx Practice Rights without submitting extra applications or external portfolios. This makes the route accessible, structured and supportive for those starting their legal careers.
Graduate Private Route
The Graduate Route is designed for learners who already hold a law degree or equivalent qualifications. Because prior learning is recognised, graduates are exempt from the foundational legal knowledge units. As a result, they complete only the practice-focused modules needed for authorisation.
This route is the fastest academic option. It allows graduates to specialise more quickly, progress with flexibility, and move smoothly toward securing CILEx Practice Rights.
Chartered Legal Executive Apprenticeship
The Level 6 Apprenticeship offers a supported and fully funded pathway into legal practice. Apprentices gain real experience in their current workplace while completing online learning, skills development and formal competency assessments.
Unlike the private diploma routes, apprenticeships integrate qualifying experience throughout the programme. This means you do not need to submit a separate portfolio to CILEx Regulation. When you finish the apprenticeship, you are ready to apply for Chartered status and move directly into CILEx Practice Rights within your chosen specialism.
Shared Benefits Across All Pathways
No matter which route you choose, each pathway provides:
- A CILEx Regulation-approved qualification
- A specialist practice area aligned with learners’ career goals
- Integrated professional competencies
- A direct path to securing CILEx Practice Rights
- Recognition as an authorised legal professional
- Use of the protected title CILEX Lawyer
All three options help you build confidence, capability, and the skills needed to practise independently.
Your Path to CILEx Practice Rights Starts Here
Whether you are just beginning your legal career, working toward your next step, or seeking a funded and supported route, Datalaw has an option to suit your needs. Each pathway provides a clear and achievable route to Chartered Legal Executive status and CILEx Practice Rights.
Our programmes help you specialise, build professional recognition, and establish yourself within your chosen area of law. With flexible study options, integrated practice-rights training, and expert support, your journey to authorised practice can begin today.
Your Next Steps
If you already hold a law degree, the Graduate Private Diploma offers a faster academic route. It allows you to focus on practice-based units and progress quickly toward authorisation.
If you are new to legal study, the Non-Graduate Private Diploma helps you build strong legal foundations and develop your skills while working in a legal role.
However, if you prefer a supported, workplace-based option, the Chartered Legal Executive Apprenticeship may be the best fit. It is fully funded for eligible employers and integrates all competencies required for CILEx Practice Rights.
Whichever route you choose, each one offers a structured and reliable way to qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive and move into authorised practice.