Hi everyone,
I was hoping to hear from anyone with experience of the Level 6 Chartered Legal Executive Apprenticeship (CILEX route).
I recently sat the SQE and didn’t pass on my first attempt. The financial and emotional hit has been quite a lot, so I’ve started looking at alternative routes, and this apprenticeship has come up as a serious option.
For context, I work in a criminal defence firm and that’s the area I want to qualify into. I actually scored above the pass mark in criminal law, which makes the overall result a bit frustrating, but also reassures me I’m on the right path in terms of specialism.
I’d really like to hear from anyone doing it now, who’s completed it, or even planning to start. What is it actually like day to day? Is it manageable alongside full-time work? Do you feel it properly prepares you for practice?
I’ve also heard mixed things about whether there’s still any stigma around CILEX lawyers compared to solicitors... is that still a thing in reality, or mostly outdated?
And one thing I’m not fully clear on... do you get litigation rights and rights of audience in the Magistrates’ Court automatically once you qualify, or is that something you have to apply for separately?
Just trying to make a realistic decision about the best route forward, so any honest experiences (good or bad) would really help.
Thanks 🙂