CILEX ‘Chartered Paralegal' status receives approval

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The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) has received Privy Council approval to amend its Royal Charter and introduce the title of CILEX 'Chartered Paralegal’ – a “significant step” in providing paralegals with formal career recognition and acknowledgement of their achievements.

The title, which is the first formal recognition of paralegals as a distinct profession, is available to professionals who’ve been working in a legal role for more than five years and can show “extensive legal knowledge and competence across key duties and behaviours”.

CILEX President Yanthé Richardson said: “This is a significant step to support people who have built careers in the legal profession in non-traditional ways. Paralegals are critical to the operation of many firms and recognition of their abilities and experience is long overdue.

“CILEX Chartered Paralegal status benefits them, employers, consumers and also the wider public interest. This new cadre of experienced and accountable professionals will do much for the provision of legal services, by raising standards and also injecting greater diversity, given the unique make-up of CILEX’s members.”

However, following the announcement in May, the Law Society of England and Wales President Richard Atkinson raised concerns regarding CILEX’s ‘Chartered Lawyer’ title, arguing that it “adds another layer of confusion and complexity for consumers”.

The new status comes with clear standards and independent regulation, which is supported by a public-facing register. Those looking to apply for CILEX Chartered Paralegal status will be required to:

• complete an application that outlines how they’ve met the requirements of the qualification;
• appoint a referee to validate the information provided; and
• undergo an interview with a CILEX assessor to check the applicant’s competence level.

Alongside the amendment, CILEX has also launched a public register of CILEX Paralegals and CILEX Chartered Paralegals, enabling members of the public and employers to check the status and qualification credentials of individuals holding a professional paralegal status with CILEX.

According to CILEX, Chartered Paralegal is set at level 5 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework, which is the equivalent to a foundation degree.