By Legal Futures Associate CILEX [1]
CILEX Law School [2] has been approved to deliver the new CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ) [3], introduced in February by CILEX [4] (the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives).
The CPQ is a redesigned approach to training that will produce uniquely qualified lawyers with the skills to meet the changing demands of the modern legal market and is open to those without a university qualification.
CILEX Law School is now ready to deliver the three stages of the CPQ: Foundation, which is aligned to the role of a paralegal; Advanced, which will be for those handling cases at an advanced paralegal level; and Professional, for those who want to be CILEX Lawyers in their chosen specialist area of law and with full practice rights.
The three outcomes it provides – CILEX Lawyer, CILEX Advanced Paralegal and CILEX Paralegal – will be badges of quality and assurance to employers who need work-ready legal professionals.
CILEX Law School is the education delivery arm of CILEX. With nearly 40 years’ experience, it is an established and trusted leader in blended learning and education for the legal sector. It is the largest provider of CILEX qualifications, delivering courses both through distance learning and legal apprenticeships.
CILEX Law School’s CPQ courses will offer students the benefits of a structured programme of study whilst allowing them the flexibility to learn at their own pace. The development of workplace competence forms an integral part of all courses, supplemented by an extensive programme of skills clinics and masterclasses covering hot topics in the law, legal technology and professional development. All students will be supported throughout their journey by a designated learning and development adviser, and benefit from the opportunity to network through the Law School’s community of CILEX students.
Course fees will vary by stage, with completion of all three stages costing £9,000.
Kim Morrison, CILEX Law School’s Academic Director says, “As CILEX’s largest training provider we are excited to deliver CPQ, a qualification which is accessible, affordable and flexible, encompassing both legal knowledge and the skills, behaviours and commercial awareness needed by paralegals and modern lawyers. We are proud to offer students a route into the profession without barriers and actively support individuals from all backgrounds to become outstanding legal professionals
“Our experience in delivering distance learning, combined with our understanding of how to develop workplace competence means that we are well placed to support students as they embark on the new qualification. Our specialist teaching team will be here to help students gain the confidence and skills they need to thrive in the legal profession.”
Linda Ford, CILEX Chief Executive says, “CILEX Law School is a leader in delivering education and training and has been a specialist in blended learning since long before the pandemic saw others move online. The school has an excellent track record producing work-ready legal professionals and we look forward to working with them and our other approved training providers on the imminent roll out of the new qualification.”
CILEX Law School will be one of a number of approved training providers approved by CILEX. Subject to final regulatory approval, the CPQ will open for enrolments in late June 2021 with CLS starting its delivery on 1st July 2021.