Is a Legal Executive a Solicitor?
No, although some Legal Executives have also qualified as solicitors.
The Legal Executive qualification differs
from that of a solicitor in the way students are trained. Most solicitors study full-time for at least four years prior to
commencing their training contract with a law firm or legal department. Legal Executives, in contrast, usually combine practical
and academic training from day one which enables them to 'earn while they learn'.
Can ILEX Fellows and Members Qualify as Solicitors?
Yes and ILEX Fellows can be exempted from the Law Society's Training Contract.
Members and Fellows
of the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX), who have undertaken further courses and training in compliance with the Law Society's
training regulations, may be admitted to the Roll of Solicitors of England and Wales.
ILEX students are normally employed
in legal practice in their training programme, thereby allowing them to acquire at an early stage the practical skills and
experience required by the profession. The security of employment may also alleviate funding difficulties. Another benefit
is that Fellows of ILEX may be given exemption from the two year training contract. In order to meet the requirements to become
a solicitor, the applicant must:
- have completed the Academic Stage of Training
- be enrolled as a student member of the Law Society
- have satisfactorily completed the Legal Practice Course
- have satisfactorily completed or been exempted from the Training Contract
- have satisfactorily completed the Professional Skills Course
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