Level 3: Professional Diploma in Law & Practice

ILEX (The Institute of Legal Executives) was established in 1963 and since then has had the support of the Law Society. It is the recognised professional body for the education of Legal Executives, the third branch of the legal profession, which works together with Solicitors and Barristers.

What is a Legal Executive?
The Legal Executive is a specialist in a specific area of law. The daily work of an Executive is similar to that of a solicitor. For example, a Legal Executive would possibly perform a conveyancing transaction, prepare litigation for the civil or criminal courts, draft a will, incorporate a company, and advise on family law. Also it may advise persons charged with a criminal offence.
The Legal Executive can appear in the High Court, County Court or Magistrates Court.

Career Opportunities
A Legal Executive may qualify as a solicitor to achieve promotion. ILEX Fellows are exempted from the two-year training contract, which must be undertaken before admission to the Law Society.

They are recognised as valued and competent practitioners and their rate of remuneration varies according to their experience and the importance of their specialist field.

Entrance requirements:
4 GCSEs at grade C or above including English Language or Literature or equivalent (including the City and Guilds/ILEX level 2 Vocational Paralegal studies certificate). Exemptions may be available at level 3 GCSE A or above, students are advised to confirm this with the Membership Department of ILEX. However mature students over 21 years old without formal qualifications may be accepted.

Course structure
Subjects can be taken in any order

Unit 1: Introduction to Law and Practice* Foundation law unit: mandatory to both qualifications
Unit 2: Contract Law* Law
Unit 3: Criminal Law* Law
Unit 4: Land Law* Law
Unit 5: Law of Tort * Law
Unit 17: Legal Research Skills * Foundation law unit: mandatory to both qualifications
Unit 16: Client Care Skills * Foundation law unit: mandatory to both qualifications
Unit 6: Employment Law Law
Unit 7: Family Law Law
Unit 8: Law of Wills and Succession Law
Unit 9: Civil Litigation Practice
Unit 10: Conveyancing Practice
Unit 11: Criminal Litigation Practice
Unit 12: The Practice of Family Law Practice
Unit 13: The Practice of Employment Law Practice
Unit 14: Probate Practice Practice
Unit 15: The Practice of Law for the Elderly
Client Practice

* Units are compulsory
From the rest of the units students need to choose 3 units out of which two must be practice units.

Course commencement date:
September and January every year