The Mazur Judgment: What you need to know
Navigating changes in the legal profession can be a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re busy with your studies or career. We’re here to help you break down the recent developments concerning the Mazur Judgment and what it means for you as a current or past CILEX student.
Understanding the Mazur Judgment and its core impact
Current fellows without practice rights
Current and past students (the ‘legacy’ route)
CILEX members currently studying a litigation route on the CILEX Level 6 qualification
CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ) students
Support from your employer
What next?
Latest updates
Understanding the Mazur Judgment and its core impact
The Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys High Court ruling has clarified a crucial point about who is legally authorised to ‘conduct’ litigation.
The core message from the Mazur Judgment is simple: You cannot conduct litigation yourself, even under supervision, unless you personally hold the specific litigation practice rights. You can, however, still support and assist an authorised colleague (like a Solicitor or a CILEX Fellow with practice rights).
The ruling doesn’t change the law, but it reinforces the existing, stricter interpretation of the Legal Services Act 2007, making it clear that the general “working under supervision” rule that applies to some reserved activities (like conveyancing and probate) does not apply to the conduct of litigation.
What does this mean for CILEX professionals and students?
The impact of the Mazur Judgment mainly falls on CILEX Fellows (those who qualified under the ‘legacy’ route) who have been working in litigation but do not hold separate litigation practice rights.
For current fellows without practice rights:
If your role involves conducting litigation, you now need to review your duties, as you can only assist an authorised person.
For current and past students (the ‘legacy’ route):
If you are studying or have completed the CILEX qualification without the independent practice rights, and you work in litigation, you’ll need to follow the formal routes to obtain authorisation if you wish to run cases yourself. It is worth visiting the CILEX website for the most up to date information about how to do this.
For CILEX members currently studying a litigation route on the CILEX Level 6 qualification:
To be able to conduct litigation, you should complete your practise rights application once you have achieved CILEX Fellow status.
For CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ) students:
The good news is that those who are studying, or have previously studied, the newer CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ) route will qualify with practice rights through the CILEx Regulation (CRL) process, meaning you will be authorised to conduct litigation on completion.
What are CILEX doing to find a resolution?
As well as successfully applying to the LSB for routes to standalone litigation rights, CILEX are taking the following steps to support their members:
Working with employers
In response to the implications of the Mazur Judgment, CILEX is actively working with employers that rely on a large number of CILEX members, to ensure they understand the practice rights requirements and can support their teams through this change. This engagement is crucial to ensure your workplace is compliant and provides the necessary support for your professional progression.
CILEX are also looking into if there could be a more efficient way to gaining practice rights when there is a group of people within one workplace requiring them.
Influencing senior stakeholders
CILEX are engaging regularly with key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Justice and LSB to pass on their member’s views and press for a swift response that offers a viable solution for those without litigation rights.
What next?
We know the Mazur Judgment has had a significant impact on many of you, but be assured that your experience and dedication are valued.
CILEX is actively advocating for practical solutions, which should help streamline your path to full authorisation.
Keep a close eye on your official CILEX communications for real-time updates and developments.
Want to learn more?
To find out more about how the Mazur Judgment may impact your circumstances and study plans, book in a 1-2-1 call with a member of our law team today.
Latest updates!
[25/11/2025]
CILEX has been granted permission to appeal the Mazur ruling. This permission ensures that CILEX can now present the specific impact of the ruling on both its members and law firms to the Court of Appeal.
[18/11/2025]
CILEX has now applied for permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal against the Mazur judgment. This is based on their finding of several adverse impacts.
You can find out more information here:
https://www.cilex.org.uk/media/media_releases/cilex-appeal-mazur-ruling-18nov/
[11/11/2025]
CILEX have put forward a proposal to the LSB that they will cover annual cost increases for Practising Certificate Fees (PCF) from their own reserves. If approved, Fellows will not see an increase in their PCF fees for 2026.
You can find out more information here:
https://www.cilex.org.uk/media/media_releases/mazur-message-update-from-cilex-ceo-11nov/
[04/11/2025]
Following the LSB’s approval of the application to authorise standalone litigation practice rights, CILEx have now released details of their new application process.
You can find out more information here:
[03/11/2025]
In a major and immediate win for the CILEX community, the Legal Services Board (LSB) has approved a fast-track application from CILEx Regulation (CRL) to allow Chartered Legal Executives to obtain standalone litigation practice rights.
This decision is effective immediately, directly addressing the uncertainty caused by the Mazur Judgment and the overwhelming demand from CILEX members for a swift solution.
What does the Mazur Judgment now mean for you?
You still must hold litigation practice rights to conduct litigation independently. However, the major issue (that litigation rights were previously “bundled” with advocacy rights, making them harder to obtain for many) is now gone.
Before the approval, litigation and advocacy rights had to be sought together, which was difficult for those who only needed to manage cases (litigation) and not appear in court (advocacy).
Now, you can apply for standalone litigation practice rights (in civil, criminal, or family proceedings) without having to qualify for advocacy rights at the same time.
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