In today’s legal world, experience, skill and credibility are everything. If you’re already working in a specialist legal role – perhaps in litigation, conveyancing, housing, or family law – but feel your professional status doesn’t reflect your ability, the CILEX Chartered Paralegal route could be the recognition you’ve been waiting for.
With no need to retrain or start again, it’s the smart next step for experienced legal professionals looking to move forward, stand out, and gain the status they deserve.
What is a CILEX Chartered Paralegal?
A CILEX Chartered Paralegal is a legal professional who has proven their knowledge, experience and professionalism through a rigorous assessment process and membership with CILEX – the professional body for specialist legal professionals.
CILEX Chartered Paralegals work in law firms, in-house legal teams, local authorities and more, and specialise in key areas of law. The title is protected and regulated, so it gives you real professional standing and helps you stand out from unregulated paralegals.
Why Choose the CILEX Chartered Paralegal Route?
If you’ve already built your legal career through experience, the Chartered Paralegal route offers a way to gain formal recognition – without starting from scratch.
✅ Recognition without retraining
With the Experience Assessment route, you don’t need to take new qualifications if you can demonstrate the required skills and experience.
✅ Boost your career
Chartered status can help you:
- Strengthen your CV
- Gain confidence and professional credibility
- Access higher-level legal work
- Open the door to qualifying as a CILEX Lawyer in future
- ✅ Stand out professionally
- As a regulated Chartered Paralegal, you commit to a code of conduct, CPD and professional standards – giving you recognition and trust in the eyes of colleagues, employers and clients.
-
-
“I’d been working in legal support for years, but wasn’t getting the recognition I deserved. Gaining Chartered Paralegal status with CILEX has given me a huge confidence boost – and my employer now sees me as a key part of the team.”
— Newly Chartered Paralegal, 2024
-
Who Can Apply?
- You can apply through the Experience Assessment route if you have:
- - At least 5 years of relevant legal experience
- A current role in a specialist area of law
- The ability to show your competence, ethics and professionalism
- - No additional study is required – just clear evidence of what you already know and do.
-
Your Questions, Answered
- Here are some of the most common questions we receive about the Chartered Paralegal route:
- How long does the process take?
- From application to final outcome, the process typically takes around 8–12 weeks.
- What’s involved in the Experience Assessment?
- You’ll complete an application form that includes evidence of your experience and competence in your area of law. This is followed by a professional discussion (interview) with CILEX assessors.
- Is CPD required to maintain Chartered status?
- Yes. As a Chartered Paralegal, you’ll be required to meet annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements, just like other regulated legal professionals.
- Can I apply if I haven’t been with my current employer for five years?
- Yes – as long as you have at least 5 years of relevant legal experience overall, you can apply. Experience from previous roles counts, and you may be asked to provide references from past employers.
- Can I reapply if I’m unsuccessful at interview?
- Yes. If your application is not successful, you’ll receive feedback and be welcome to reapply after addressing the areas highlighted by the assessors.
- Is this route suitable if I’m on an apprenticeship or completing CPQ?
- The Chartered Paralegal route is primarily aimed at legal professionals who are not currently completing the CPQ or an apprenticeship. It recognises those already working at a high level based on experience, not study.
- What areas of practice can a Chartered Paralegal specialise in?
- Common areas include litigation, conveyancing, housing, family law, personal injury, employment law, and more. Your application will focus on your current area of legal practice.
Read all of the FAQ's here.