“I suspect that many who have read my blog, my posts, and the content of AJH Advocacy may reasonably conclude that I am in favour of CILEX. And indeed, you would be correct. However, I am also in favour of the legal profession and its progression. In my opinion, it does not matter how you qualify or what you intend to do with your qualifications.
I always assist those who are interested in becoming a CILEX lawyer, as well as those who are looking to qualify as a solicitor or barrister. However, if someone is looking to become a cost lawyer, I may not be able to provide much help as I do not possess in-depth knowledge on the subject. In such cases, I refer them to other sources for assistance (although I gave a general overview in another post).
This post discusses the path of those who have completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC), but failed to secure a training contract and have since pursued a career as a CILEX Lawyer. Some of my colleagues in my previous workplace adopted this method and were surprised to learn about it. Despite the fact that Legal Executives have been transitioning to Solicitors for years, this route is not widely known.
The issue at hand was that the path to a career in law was not being properly promoted. Law graduates were instructed that they needed to secure a Training Contract. With the LPC route becoming more restricted and CILEX being frequently mentioned as offering exemptions, it has likely brought more attention to this alternative path.
The LPC route will soon come to a close so those who want to take advantage of this route will be unable to do so. Click here to go to the SRA’s page to see the section (it’s the equivalent means route).
Become a Fellow of CILEX
If you have already become a Fellow of CILEX, you have cleared the first hurdle. You may have qualified by being exempted from CILEX exams due to your LPC. After being a graduate member for a year, you applied for CILEX as you met the qualifying employment requirements.
If you haven’t become a member of CILEX yet, it may not be a straightforward process anymore. CILEX will now assign new members to the CPQ (CILEX Professional Qualification) to ensure that they qualify with practice rights in their area. If you work in a litigation sector such as civil, criminal or family law, you will need to complete the CILEX Advocacy course to become a Fellow of CILEX. This will require more time and money, and as you will see later, you will also need to complete the PSC to apply to the roll of Solicitors.
Even if you are not currently a member of CILEX, it should be relatively easy for you to practice in non-litigation areas such as probate and conveyancing.
Undertake the core modules of the Professional Skills Course
Individuals who transitioned from CILEX to become a solicitor were taken aback to discover that individuals undertaking training contracts are also required to complete the Professional Skills Course (PSC) during the training contract. If someone wishes to convert their qualification, they will be required to complete the PSC as well, but only the core modules. CILEX lawyers will be excused from having to complete any of the electives.
Those core modules are:-
- Advocacy and Communication Skills
- Client Care and Professional Standards
- Financial and Business Skills
Training providers such as the University of Law still offer these courses. However, as fewer people need the LPC route, they may stop providing the course in the future.
The core modules are sold by the University of Law at £1,220 + VAT. Once you’ve done this, it is a walk in the park from there on in.
BBP’s fee is £1,218+VAT for the core modules. Altior’s fee is £1,229 +VAT but is available online. UWE’s fee is £1,095+VAT. MBL Seminars’ fee is £1,085+VAT.
Obtain your certificate of good standing from CILEX (but do it only when you are about to apply to be admitted to the roll of Solicitors.
When you apply to be admitted you will need to upload a copy of your LPC, a copy of your core modules PSC certificates and a copy of your certificate of good standing from CILEX. It will prove you have no regulatory issues and are a valid CILEX Lawyer.
It is £100 and can be purchased from the online shop on your CILEX membership page.You then submit, wait for your admission date and then set a countdown for when you qualify. What many also do not know is that you can retain your CILEX Fellowship status for a fraction of the price. Although some may choose to end their membership with CILEX, some remain as dual members, with their SRA practicing certificate being their main membership.
Of course, some may wish to simply go through the SQE approach. What I can tell from the SRA website is that you should be guaranteed exemption from SQE 1 but you may still need to undertake the SQE 2, subject to any exemptions you can obtain (click here for more information).
Given the LPC route will eventually disappear, those who are considering it should take steps as soon as possible before that door closes (31st December 2032…. it’s a long way away, but time passes by very quickly)
Information
AJH Advocacy Limited, a Limited Company which is regulated by the Bar Standards Boards (entity number 190758), ceases trading on the 12th January 2026.
From the 12th January 2026 and onwards, Alec Hancock will practice as a Barrister at Magdalen Chambers in Exeter. For instructions on matters on or after 12th January 2026, please contact Magdalen Chambers via clerks@magdalenchambers.co.uk or by telephone on 01392 285 200.