Legal Executives

Question 1

Legal executives

Answer 1

• candidates takes the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) graduate fast track diplomas to become a chartered member
• must have also completed a law degree recognised by Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) within the last 7 yrs, or have completed a common professional examination (CPE) or graduate diploma in law
• legal executives deal with various day to day work, similar to that of solicitor and can specialise in a particular area of law
• can also become solicitors

Question 2

Other ways to become a legal executive

Answer 2

• if you have no law qualifications, you can work for a law firm and study part time for a level 3 diploma or level 6 professional higher diploma, or start as a clerical assistant or legal secretary
• they need to work for a further 3 yrs before qualifying
• even if they don’t work in a legal environment, if they meet the entry requirements, they could study for the CILEx grad fast track diploma full time, part time or at home

Question 3

Women/ethnic minorities in legal profession

Answer 3

• whilst women now form an increasing no. of entrants to the legal profession, there are still very few in the higher levels
• e.g. Lady Hale became one of the first females to be a senior judge

Question 4

Alternative business structure (ABS)

Answer 4

since the legal services act 2007:
- legal businesses can include lawyers/non lawyers
- legal businesses can operate as companies
- commercial firms like the co-operative society have been given licenses and can now compete w/ traditional high street solicitors
- they can also bid for legal aid contracts