CILEx Regulation (CRL), the independent regulatory body of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, has shared an update on the litigation practice rights of chartered legal executives, saying it understands ‘the significant distress and uncertainty the judgment has caused’.
Since the Mazur judgment was handed down by Justice Sheldon just over two months ago, CRL says its focus has been on developing practical solutions to the challenges posed by the ruling. The Legal Services Board has approved CRL’s application to authorise standalone litigation practice rights, with around 600 chartered legal executives applying for the rights.
‘Nearly 350 chartered legal executives have started their portfolio applications’, CRL said in a statement.
“We can also report that the first portfolio applications for standalone litigation rights have been approved, giving successful applicants standalone litigation practice rights and the authorised Chartered Legal Executive Litigator title for the first time. These were submitted under the previous litigation and advocacy route but applicants chose to decouple.”
CRL says it has ‘invested heavily’ in resources to process the high numbers of portfolio applications it has received, hiring and training new external assessors and amended processes to offer earlier feedback.
‘We will communicate with applicants as and when we have updates on your application’, CRL assured those waiting for a response.
“We understand that the process can, at times, feel onerous. We will be issuing updated guidance on portfolio applications next week. This is intended to support you with practical tips on how to compile your application as well as guidance on what a good application looks like. We are also working with the CILEX Support Group to identify if there are further opportunities to streamline the authorisation process.”
Around 250 chartered legal executives have applied for the ULaw assessment only route, CRL added, with provision increased to meet demand. Applications for the January assessment should be submitted by 19th December.
Last week, the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) said it had applied for permission to appeal the ruling, saying it had ‘serious concerns’ about its impact on the legal sector.
