January 2026 Practice Rights update
Over 65 Chartered Legal Executives have now been granted litigation practice rights
CRL and our partners have continued to work hard over the last few weeks to process litigation practice rights applications and ensure our processes are as efficient as possible. Since December, we have approved a further 52 Chartered Legal Executives as litigators, bringing the total number to 67.
Portfolio Route Update
We have received 405 applications under the portfolio route. CRL has, so far, approved 37 portfolio applications. Applications received after the introduction of standalone litigation rights are currently taking an average of 9 weeks to reach a decision from submission of a complete application.
We understand that some CILEX members are frustrated at a perceived lack of responsiveness from CRL. Our focus remains on processing applications. A large proportion of contacts we are receiving are seeking updates on applications. While we endeavour to answer as many as possible, we refer applicants to our website which sets out the process and contact points: Stand-alone Litigation Practice Rights. We are unable to provide applicants with progress updates during each stage of the process.
We have also had feedback from the CILEX Support Group that our current evidence requirements are a barrier for some applicants. In particular, we are reviewing our requirements that evidence submitted as part of a portfolio application should be no more than two years old.
ULaw Update
30 Chartered Legal Executives have passed the ULaw assessment in December, split between civil litigation and family law Candidates will be informed of the outcome of their assessment shortly.
A further 417 Chartered Legal Executives have sat or are sitting their assessment in January. Candidates should expect to receive provisional results in early March 2026.
ULaw have space on courses throughout the year. Sign-up to the next assessment window – CILEx Regulation Independent Practice Rights Assessment.
