Legal Executive

Typical Salary

£15,000 To £100,000

Typical Hours

39 to 41 a week

9am to 5pm

How To Become a Legal Executive

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role

College / University

You could do a degree in law or a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). You would then do:

the Graduate Fast-Track Diploma
3 years' qualifying employment

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could take the following college courses to qualify:

CILEx Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice
CILEx Level 6 Professional Higher Diploma in Law and Practice

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

Apprenticeship

You could take a chartered legal executive higher apprenticeship. You would usually do this after you've completed a paralegal apprenticeship.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

A lot of people work for a law firm and study for qualifications part time.

You could study for CILEx qualifications even if you're not working in a legal environment, as long as you meet their entry requirements. Qualifications may be studied full time, part time or by distance learning.

You'll still need some work experience to give you a chance of finding a job once you're qualified.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

excellent verbal communication skills
excellent written communication skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
knowledge of English language
administration skills
the ability to work well with others
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
the ability to use your initiative
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

Depending on your specialism, your role may be:

advising clients and explaining legal matters
contacting professionals, like mortgage lenders, planning officers or other lawyers on behalf of clients
researching and summarising legal information
preparing legal documents
writing to clients
drawing up wills
preparing contracts
representing clients in court
preparing bills for clients

Working Environment

You could work at a police station, in a court or in an office.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Registration

you'll need to register with the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives to start your training

Further information

You can get more details about a legal executive career from the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.