South Wales universities to provide CILEx training

Two Welsh universities are to begin providing legal training courses in conjunction with the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx).

The University of South Wales and University of Wales, Trinity Saint David's Swansea Business School will provide the academic aspects of the on-the-job training through which students can qualify as chartered legal executives.

Frances Edwards, president of CILEx and a family solicitor practising in South Wales, said: "I'm pleased to announce the University of South Wales and University of Wales Trinity Saint David have met our rigorous standards to deliver our flexible learning pathway to a career in law. The needs of both legal businesses and students are continually evolving; the flexibility, accessibility and affordability of the CILEx route meets those needs."

Bronwen Williams, teaching staff at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, said: "With changes in how legal services are provided, structured and funded, the university recognises there is an opportunity to meet those changes and provide alternative routes into the legal profession. Introducing CILEx…is a way of widening access into the legal services profession, which can still be unobtainable for talented learners who are put off by the high cost of the traditional route."