Important information

As part of the introduction of the CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ), entries to the Level 3 qualification have now closed. Level 6 Single Subject Certificates and Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice will close to new registrations from 28 February 2024. If you start studying a CILEX Level 6 qualification now, you will have until November 2026 to complete it. You will have the right to transition to the CPQ framework at any time during this transition period. Details of which Level 6 units to complete, so that this transition can be as smooth as possible, can be found here. You can also locate details on our CPQ courses here.

CILEX Family Litigator and Advocate

The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives’ (CILEX) specialist pathway in Family Law and Litigation, delivers the knowledge and experience of Family Law in England and Wales, to deal with Family and Child Care Law. It deals, for example, with the principles of marriage and other adult relationships, relevant family and childcare legislation, parental responsibility and legal provision for children as well as dealing with the issue of domestic violence and legal separation.

Choose the pathway and click on the titles below to go directly to the right section on this page.​

Download our Family Law diagram for an overview of the pathway which prepares individuals for a career in family law, from a family case worker to attending family court proceedings as a litigation lawyer and advocate.

CILEX Level 3 Diploma in Law and Practice – Academic Stage 1

Option 1: Family Law and Litigation Pathway – CILEX Level 3 Certificate in Law & Practice

Specialism: Family Law

The CILEX Level 3 Certificate in Law and Practice addresses a growing need for a short but rounded introduction to law and practice, or a specific learning need within a specialist area of law and Legal practice.

The Certificate consists of 5 units; the selection below provides both a broad introduction to law and a focus on Family Law and Family Litigation or the Practice of Child Care Law. Level 3 units Family Law and The Practice of Family Law or The Practice of Childcare Law are required at the Certificate or Diploma stage if following the advised Family Law Specialism Pathway.

5 units, CILEX Level 3 – Certificate in Law & Practice.

* mandatory units for CILEX Level 3 Certificate in Law and Practice

Option 2: Civil Litigation Pathway – CILEX Level 3 Diploma in Law & Practice

The CILEX Level 3 Diploma in Law and Practice offers a broad-based foundation across key areas of Law and Legal Practice, which helps gain a wider appreciation of the legal practice areas that might affect, but sit outside their specialist area.

This stage includes mandatory core units in law, to ensure that CILEX members are well prepared for a career in law, which is particularly important when considered against the background of continuing changes in the legal sector. There is also room for unit choices to reflect specialist interests such as Family Law or Litigation and the practice of Family and/or Childcare Law.

10 units, CILEX Level 3 – Diploma in Law and Practice.

* mandatory law units for CILEx Level 3 Diploma in Law & Practice

CILEx Level 6 Diploma in Law and Legal Practice – Academic Stage 2

The CILEx Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice forms the final academic stage on the career pathway to become a Chartered Legal Executive lawyer in Family Law.

6 Units, CILEX Level 6 – Diploma in Law and Practice.

Law Graduates

LLB/GDL Graduates

• Individuals with a law degree (LLB/GDL) may apply for the Graduate Fast-track Diploma to complete the CILEX Level 6 Diploma in Legal Practice.

LPC/BVC/BPTC

• Individuals with LPC/BVC/BPTC are exempt from all academic stages.
• Apply directly for exemption and complete the Qualifying Employment period as a CILEX Graduate Member. The Qualifying Employment section below advises on exemption applications.

LLB/GDL – Graduate Fast-track Diploma

The CILEX Graduate Fast-track Diploma is for individuals with a Qualifying Law Degree (LLB/GDL). It is designed for graduates who want to qualify as a Lawyer without following the traditional and more costly Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) routes.

The Graduate Fast-track Diploma consists of 3 units

Graduates, that did not study family law as part of their law degree programme may wish to consider completing the CILEX Level 6 Family Law Unit both to assist with their knowledge development and to support their future development plans e.g. a practice rights application.

Period of Qualifying Employment

A period of Qualifying Employment is required to achieve CILEX Fellowship and become a Chartered Legal Executive Lawyer.

The Qualifying Employment period can start before, during or after studying for qualifications. Time in work whilst studying may count if it meets the criteria; apply early to have your role assessed to ensure the work is approved for Qualifying Employment and Work-based Learning.

LPC/BVC/BPTC

Law Graduates with LPC or BPTC can apply for exemption.

Up to 43 weeks exemption of the Qualifying Employment period may be granted; the remaining period in the workplace and the Work-based Learning portfolio will still need to be completed.

CILEX Fellowship / Chartered Legal Executive application

On completion of the period of Qualifying Employment, students are eligible to become a Chartered Legal Executive and CILEX Fellow and use the designatory letters FCILEX.

CILEX Fellows are able to gain Advocacy or Litigation and Advocacy rights in Family Proceedings.

CILEX Chartered Legal Executive Litigator and Advocate

Chartered Legal Executives can be awarded Litigation and Advocacy rights by CILEX Regulation for authorisation to conduct litigation and appear in court as an advocate in family proceedings, without supervision.

Applying for Litigation and Advocacy Rights

You can apply for Advocacy Rights alone or for Litigation and Advocacy Practice Rights together.

Applications are open to Chartered Legal Executives who are qualified and suitably experienced.

NB holders of the BPTC may be eligible for exemptions from the advocacy course.

When the application is approved, an Advocacy or Litigation and Advocacy Certificate is issued with a Practicing Certificate to become a Chartered Legal Executive Advocate or CILEX Litigator and Chartered Legal Executive Advocate.

Course fees and enrolment

Please use the buttons below to view our course fees and enrol.

Law Training Centre accepts PayPal as a payment option. A link to PayPal will be provided on your invoice when you sign up for a course. PayPal is a secure card processor and allows you to use your debit or credit card to pay, you do not need to have a PayPal account to use this service.

What will I need before I get started?

To study your online course, you will need the following:

We are here to help. If you have any questions on the above, please contact us.

How do I enrol?

The Law Training Centre accepts applications throughout the year so that learners can start when it suits them most.

You can complete our CILEX enrolment form here.

To ensure your enrolment is processed as quickly as possible, please make sure that you read the form carefully, and fill out all the required boxes. If you need any help or have questions, please contact us on 0330 088 8495 or [email protected]

What happens after I send my enrolment form?

Once received, your enrolment will be processed by our Student Services Team. If there are any queries at this stage, we will contact you.

• Invoicing:
  We will issue your invoice according to your chosen option – either self–sponsored or firm-sponsored. If you are paying by instalments, a separate Direct Debit mandate email will be sent out for you to complete online, you will need to set up both the Direct Debit and complete the initial payment. Once the invoice has been paid (or the Direct Debit set up if applicable) please notify us by return email.
• Payment options:
  You can pay by bank transfer to our account or by card using the payment link on your invoice. Cheques are accepted and your course login will be made live once the cheque has cleared into our bank account.
• Course Login:
  Once we have processed your payment and the 14-day cooling-off period has passed or has been waived, please allow up to 2 working days from the invoice being paid to being emailed your course login.

Why choose Law Training Centre?

As specialised legal trainers, we’ve trained over 3,500 learners from the UK and across the globe.	Our academic team are legal professionals and academic specialists that understand the requirements of the legal sector.
Unique, fully flexible online course delivery made to fit around your work and life commitments.	Unlimited tutor support for learners to help you accelerate your legal career and stand out from the competition.