A Step-by-Step Guide to Qualification and CILEx Practice Rights
If you are exploring how to become a Chartered Legal Executive, it can be difficult to understand exactly what is required. CILEx Regulation sets clear standards for knowledge, competence, experience, and advocacy. Fortunately, there are structured pathways that help you move through these steps with confidence.
At Datalaw, we offer approved training that aligns directly with CILEx Regulation’s latest requirements. Whether you join through the Non-Graduate Diploma, the Graduate Diploma, or the Chartered Legal Executive Apprenticeship, your learning is designed to support every stage of the authorisation process.
Below is a simple breakdown of the five steps you will follow on your journey to becoming a Chartered Legal Executive, and how Datalaw helps at each stage.
Step 1 – Demonstrate the Required Technical Knowledge
CILEx Regulation requires learners to hold an approved qualification that meets the technical knowledge standards for their chosen legal specialism. This includes areas such as Civil Litigation, Conveyancing, Probate, Criminal Litigation, Family Law, Employment, Business Practice, or Immigration.
How Datalaw Supports Step 1
Datalaw delivers the Level 6 Chartered Legal Executive Diploma, which is approved by CILEx Regulation and meets the full technical knowledge requirements.
- Graduate Diploma: graduates complete only the practice-focused modules, accelerating their route.
- Non-Graduate Diploma: learners complete all foundational and specialist units.
- Apprenticeship Route: technical knowledge is built throughout the programme through structured learning and workplace development.
In all three routes, your specialist pathway is fully integrated into your studies.
Step 2 – Gain and Evidence Your Qualifying Experience (QWE)
Learners must complete at least 2,300 hours of qualifying legal experience. This experience must involve real legal work, such as drafting documents, advising clients, conducting research, or managing case files.
How Datalaw Supports Step 2
- Apprenticeship Route: QWE is fully embedded into the apprenticeship. You do not need to submit a separate qualifying experience application because your training records, reviews, and work-based development form part of the assessed programme.
- Private Diplomas (Graduate & Non-Graduate): learners complete their QWE while employed in a legal role. Datalaw provides the academic route, and learners later submit their experience to CILEx Regulation for assessment.
Across all pathways, your role must involve meaningful legal tasks that align with CILEx Regulation’s criteria.
Step 3 – Build Your Competency Portfolio
CILEx Regulation requires learners to demonstrate key competencies through logbook examples and supporting evidence. These competencies include legal research, client communication, decision-making, ethics, case handling, and professional practice.
How Datalaw Supports Step 3
- Apprenticeship Route: the competency portfolio is integrated into the apprenticeship. Reviews, workplace tasks, and training activities produce the required evidence.
- Private Diplomas: learners develop the knowledge and skills needed to produce their portfolio entries. They complete their competency evidence alongside their work duties and then submit it directly to CILEx Regulation.
Datalaw’s learning pathways help learners understand what evidence is needed and how competencies should be demonstrated.
Step 4 – Complete the Advocacy Skills Course (If Required)
Learners aiming for litigation and advocacy practice rights must complete a CILEx Regulation–approved Advocacy Skills Course, depending on whether they seek Judges’ Room Only rights or full rights of audience.
How Datalaw Supports Step 4
Datalaw prepares learners academically for practice within their specialist area, helping them understand when advocacy rights apply. Once eligible, learners apply directly to CILEx Regulation, who will confirm the external advocacy course provider.
Datalaw ensures that you meet all academic and competency requirements before reaching this stage.
Step 5 – Apply to Become a Chartered Legal Executive
Once you have completed your qualification, demonstrated your competencies, gained sufficient QWE, and completed advocacy requirements (if needed), you can submit your final application for authorisation.
How Datalaw Supports Step 5
Datalaw provides:
- An approved qualification that integrates practice-rights requirements
- A clear pathway through either the Diploma or Apprenticeship
- Structured learning and support that align directly with authorisation standards
Learners who follow the Diploma routes submit their evidence and experience directly to CILEx Regulation.
Your Next Steps
Whichever pathway you choose, Datalaw gives you a complete, supportive, and aligned route to becoming a Chartered Legal Executive with recognised CILEx Practice Rights. You can begin with the route that best matches your background – Graduate, Non-Graduate, or Apprenticeship – and progress toward authorised practice at your own pace.
To explore each step in deeper detail, including portfolio guidance, qualifying experience requirements, and specialist pathways, visit our Policies & Procedures page.