Our first Board teleconference of the year was primarily devoted to an update on the numbers applying for standalone litigation rights, and the progress being made in processing these applications whilst continuing to maintain high professional standards. We were pleased to see the progress made and the numbers of CLEs who have been or are shortly to be approved. A full update on numbers will be published next week.
Looking forward, we noted that we have received just over 600 expressions of interest in gaining authorisation through the portfolio route with over 380 CLEs making a formal application to date. In addition, over 400 people will sit a U Law examination for standalone litigation rights in January.
We looked carefully at the time it was taking to process applications and were pleased to see the current average time is 52 days (7.5 weeks), which is well below the average 11 weeks it took in 2025.
We recognise the ongoing uncertainty facing many dedicated professionals and agreed we would continue to communicate clearly and openly on both process, and learning to date through our website.
On other issues, the Board agreed to launch a campaign next month for 3 new lay members and 5 new professional members for our enforcement panels. If you are interested, please keep an eye on our website early next month.
Our next full Board meeting is on 10 February 2026. If you would like to know more, please look at our website, read our Board papers or get in touch.
