University of Law Practice Rights route – success one year on

It is now one year since the first group of Chartered Legal Executives received their results for the Practice Rights course at the University of Law. Since then, the course has been delivered to four more cohorts throughout 2023 in the specialist areas of conveyancing, civil litigation, probate and family litigation.

Since the first cohort in March 2023, a total of 146 students have now passed the course with the majority achieving a pass mark of over 70%. The specialist area with the largest number of entrants was for conveyancing, closely followed by Civil Litigation.

Flexible routes to gaining Practice Rights

Candidates with at least 2 years’ experience in the relevant specialist area of practice are able to choose the Assessment only route, or the Training and Assessment route if they don’t have the 2 years experience. The second option takes longer to complete, however it allows students to learn in their own time. Since the launch of the alternative routes, the majority of candidates have undertaken the Assessment only route, but the Training and Assessment route is still available for applicants looking for a practical alternative route.

Richard Haggett, Programme Director at The University of Law said;

“Over the course of the first year of providing this alternative route to advanced practice rights, we have been really impressed with the strength of the delegates. The assessment regime – a skills assessment involving an interview with a follow-up written piece, and a knowledge assessment multiple choice question examination – has proven the breadth and professional talent of underlying skills and knowledge in your community. There’s been a lot of personal success at an admirably high performance level. Approaching the assessment as a demonstration of what one can do rather than fearing scrutiny of what one cannot, has really paid off.

We’ve been particularly pleased to receive great feedback on the support provided, particularly regarding our services to enhance digital workplace skills, and the academic support for those returning to learning and perhaps facing their first formal assessment for some time.”

Siobhain O’Mahony (pictured), Practitioner Authorisation and Supervision Manager, CILEx Regulation said:

 “We’re delighted with the consistently high number of applicants coming through this route and passing at such a high rate, which is testament to the experience and knowledge of the Chartered Legal Professionals. Speaking with candidates on a regular basis about their choice of route to practice rights, it is clear that an alternative route to the traditional portfolio route to practice rights is appreciated and popular. 

 CRL are grateful to the University of Law for their part in supporting candidates achieve their practice rights goals and offer our congratulations to all those who have been successfully progressed to this next stage in the authorisation of Practitioners.”

The University of Law will continue to deliver training and support to cohorts in 2024. The next deadline for registration with CILEx Regulation to enrol onto the next course is 23 April 2024.

Further details of the requirements of registration, costs and details of the course structure can be found on the CRL website

Please email practicerights@cilexregulation.org.uk with any queries about Practice Rights or the University of Law routes.