Legal Executives

Question 1

Where do they work and what do they do?

Answer 1

Work in solicitor’s firms as assistants and assist solicitors in dealing with clients in specialised areas of law.

Question 2

Who are they governed by?

Answer 2

By the CILEX Regulation Board.

Question 3

Qualifications wise who are Legal Executives?

Answer 3

They are qualified lawyers who have passed the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives Professional Qualification in Law.

Question 4

Will they usually specialise?

Answer 4

Yes, Legal Executives will usually specialise in one particular area of law.

Question 5

Is there role similar to a solicitor?

Answer 5

Yes. In the area of law they have specialised in their day-to-day work is similar to that of a solicitor, though they tend to deal with more straightforward matters.

Question 6

Name the things they tend to deal with?

Answer 6

Handling various legal aspects of property transfer;

Assist in the formation of a company;

Draft wills;

Advise clients in civil disputes;

Advise clients accused of certain crimes, e.g. theft and petty theft.

Question 7

Since 2008, legal executives have been able to do a course on what and achieve what?

Answer 7

A course on advocacy and obtain rights of audience.

Question 8

Legal executives will need to apply for what depending on their specialist field?

Answer 8

Will need to apply for a certificate depending on their specialist field.

Question 9

What is the certificate for Civil Law?

Answer 9

Civil Proceedings Certificate

Question 10

What is the certificate for Criminal Law?

Answer 10

Criminal Proceedings Certificate

Question 11

What is the certificate for Family Law?

Answer 11

Family Proceedings Certificate

Question 12

Once a certificate has been obtained, legal executives are given what rights? And in where?

Answer 12

Are given the rights of audience in all courts.

Question 13

What else could Legal Executives do, where else could they work?

Answer 13

Legal Executives can also become partners in a firm or open up their own Alternative Business Structure.

Question 14

Can Legal Executives apply to be a judge?

Answer 14

Yes, they can (also) apply to become a District Judge, working in the County Court or Magistrates’ Court.

Question 15

Legal Executives are fee earners, what does this mean?

Answer 15

This means that where a legal executive works for a firm of solicitors their work is charged at an hourly rate.

Question 16

With being fee earners what do they make?

Answer 16

Make a direct contribution to the income of law firms.

Question 17

Who is responsible for their work?

Answer 17

The partners of the law firm are responsible for the legal executive’s work.

Question 18

Who is responsible for the regulation of Legal Executives?

Answer 18

The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives are responsible for the regulation of legal executives. They deal with the training and regulation of the profession.

Question 19

If a client is unhappy with a Legal Executive what must they do?

Answer 19

First the client will need to complain to the firm but if they are unhappy they can lodge a complaint with the CILEx Regulation Board or the Legal Ombudsman.