CILEX or SQE?
Your Ultimate Guide
Before we get into it, let’s get one thing straight: CILEX Lawyers and Solicitors are trained to the same level.
But (and it’s a big but) there are MANY differences between the two, especially regarding the journey to qualification, the opportunities after qualifying, and the time and costs involved in getting qualified!
In this guide, you’ll find out all about each of these key differences, plus much more, giving you a solid understanding of the CILEX and SQE qualifications – and, ultimately, which one is most suitable for you when looking to pursue your own legal career!
CILEX and SQE – The Basics
To kick things off, lets quickly cover some of the basics… What are CILEX and SQE?
CILEX: The CILEX (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) qualification is a flexible pathway to a legal career, designed for those looking to qualify as legal executives or take on specialist roles in the legal sector. It combines academic study with practical work experience, allowing candidates to “earn while they learn.” CILEX professionals focus on specific legal areas such as conveyancing, probate, or litigation, making it a practical route for those seeking an alternative to traditional solicitor qualifications.
SQE: The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a newer route to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales. It standardises solicitor qualification through two rigorous stages of assessment (SQE1 and SQE2), testing legal knowledge and practical skills. Unlike traditional training contracts, the SQE offers flexibility in the way candidates gain their required work experience, known as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). This makes it a modern, adaptable option for aspiring solicitors from various educational and professional backgrounds.
Both routes provide distinct opportunities to build rewarding legal careers, catering to diverse aspirations and circumstances.
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CILEX Lawyer vs Solicitor
Download our FREE CPQ Guide
|
| We have a FREE guide all about the CILEX Professional Qualification! Why not check it out? |
CILEX Lawyer vs Solicitor
Choosing between becoming a CILEX Lawyer or a Solicitor is a key decision for anyone pursuing a legal career in the UK. While both roles are highly respected and essential to the legal profession, they differ significantly in terms of training, areas of specialisation, career opportunities, and how they are perceived in the industry.
This section explores these differences, helping you understand the unique strengths of each role, their place in the job market, and what they offer in terms of career progression.
Whether you’re considering one of these paths or simply curious about the UK’s legal landscape, this guide will provide clarity and insight.
Role and Areas of Specialisation
- CILEX Lawyers are qualified legal professionals specialising in specific areas of law, such as family, conveyancing, or probate. They often provide expert advice and support within their niche, without necessarily handling broader areas of law.
- Solicitors, in contrast, tend to have a more generalist training background but can also specialise later in their careers. They are often involved in a wider range of legal tasks, including advocacy, litigation, and client representation across various legal disciplines.
Training and Qualification
- CILEX Lawyers qualify through a combination of academic study and practical experience, often while working. This makes the pathway cost-effective and accessible for those already in the workforce.
- Solicitors, typically, follow a more academic route, culminating in the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). This includes rigorous assessments and at least two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).
Professional Perception
- CILEX Lawyers are respected for their deep knowledge and practical skills in their chosen specialisms. However, they may face limitations in higher-level roles where a solicitor’s title is preferred.
- Solicitors are often perceived as the “traditional” legal professionals in the UK, with broader career opportunities in private practice, government, or corporate roles.
Rights and Responsibilities
- CILEX Lawyers can hold similar rights of audience as solicitors if they achieve certain authorisations, such as advocacy rights in specific courts. However, they may not have automatic rights to perform all tasks a solicitor can, like handling client funds without extra regulation.
- Solicitors have full rights to practise law across all areas, including higher courts, upon qualification.
Numbers in the UK Job Market
- As of recent figures, there are around 20,000 CILEX Lawyers in the UK, forming a smaller but significant (and quickly growing) part of the legal workforce.
- In comparison, there are approximately 160,000 solicitors in England and Wales, making this a much larger and more common professional group.
Career Progression
- CILEX Lawyers can progress to become partners in law firms or even qualify as solicitors later in their careers.
- Solicitors have a more direct route to senior roles, such as partnership or in-house counsel positions, often with broader prospects in the international legal market.
Both roles are vital to the UK legal system, offering varied pathways to meaningful careers depending on individual goals and circumstances.
Eligibility requirements
Each qualification has it’s own set of rules when it comes to both starting and completing the qualification. We’ve summarised some of the key points below:
The lack of academic entry requirements and the availability of exemptions makes the CILEX qualification the more accessible of the two.
When it comes to work experience, SQE requires slightly more than CILEX – this QWE is required before you can apply for your final CILEX or SQE membership.
Exemptions
As highlighted already, there are no exemptions available for the SQE. All SQE candidates are required to complete the same modules and assessments, though candidates with law degrees are likely to find the first of these assessments considerably easier than their non-legal-degree peers.
The good news is that CILEX does have exemptions available – especially for candidates who hold a law degree!
CILEX Graduate Qualification (CGQ):
The CILEX Graduate (Fast Track) Qualification was designed to reduce the time and cost involved in becoming a CILEX Lawyer for candidates already holding a law degree.
In fact, the CGQ requires candidates to complete just 6 out of the normal 13 modules! This translates into a qualification that takes just 18-24 months on average to complete!
So, if you have a law degree and want to pursue a career in law as fast as possible, then the CGQ route might be the best option for you!
How long does each take to complete?
As mentioned already, it could take as little as 18 months to become a CILEX Lawyer, provided you are starting with a law degree. However, if you are not, then completing the CILEX qualification will take longer.
CILEX candidates starting without a law degree will typically take 4 years to get qualified, whilst studying part time and earning their qualifying work experience.
The typical time that it takes candidates to complete the SQE qualification is also 4 to 5 years, but may be faster for those with a relevant degree as they may be able to complete the first assessment a little faster than their non-legal-degree peers.
Note: Although it may seem that the qualifications are similar in length, it’s worth remembering that SQE candidates will also need to have a Bachelor’s degree before starting, whereas CILEX candidates will not.
Prospective solicitors will also need to have passed the SQE and begun their training contract before they accumulate their qualifying work experience. Whereas CILEX students can train on the job.
These factors can add another 3-4+ years to the total qualification time for SQE.
What are the costs involved?
Another major difference between CILEX and SQE is the costs involved…
We’ve summarised the typical costs of each in the table below (accurate as of December 2024):
*The PGDL or Postgraduate Diploma in Law is a conversion course designed to get non-law graduates to the required level to begin the SQE qualification.
Making your decision
Choosing between the CILEX and SQE qualifications depends on your career goals, educational background, and personal circumstances.
Both routes offer valuable opportunities to build a legal career, but they cater to different needs and aspirations.
CILEX: This pathway is ideal for those seeking a cost-effective, flexible route into the legal profession. If you’re looking to specialise in a particular area of law, work while you study, or progress without a university degree, CILEX is a strong choice. It’s particularly suited to individuals already working in the legal field or those who prefer a practical, hands-on learning approach.
SQE: The SQE is better suited to those aiming to become fully qualified solicitors with broader career prospects. It’s a great option if you want to work in a wide range of legal areas, join a large law firm, or pursue international opportunities. Law graduates or those with the resources to invest in the additional costs and time commitment may find the SQE a rewarding pathway.
Ultimately, your decision should align with your long-term career ambitions and current situation. CILEX offers a focused and accessible way to build a legal career, while the SQE opens doors to more traditional solicitor roles. Take into account the costs, time required, and the kind of legal work you see yourself doing – and choose the path that best fits your goals.
Are you a Law Graduate?
Did you know that there’s a special CILEX pathway for people who already hold a law degree?
It’s called the CILEX Graduate Qualification (CGQ), and it’s your fast-track route to becoming a CILEX Lawyer.
Learn more about the CGQ and book a call with a member of our team to see if it could be the perfect fit for you!
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