Following discussions between CILEX Regulation and representatives of the CILEX Support Group, CRL has agreed to extend the temporary adjustments to the litigation practice rights portfolio evidence requirements from 30 June 2026 to 30 September 2026.
The temporary adjustments were originally introduced in response to the exceptional circumstances arising following the first instance judgment in Mazur and were intended to provide a proportionate and supportive approach for experienced Chartered Legal Executives seeking litigation practice rights via the portfolio route, whilst maintaining the integrity and rigour of the authorisation process.
The refinements introduced by CRL included:
- Extending the age of acceptable evidence from two years to five years for relevant litigation experience;
- Permitting Work-Based Learning (“WBL”) assessments and relevant professional accreditations obtained within the preceding ten years to be relied upon in support of applications, although not as exemptions from the portfolio requirements;
- Allowing applicants to re-use evidence previously submitted for WBL applications or third-party accreditation schemes, provided the evidence appropriately maps to the relevant competency requirements. Such evidence may be up to ten years old and will be afforded the same weight as more contemporary material;
- Confirming that CRL may consider whether evidence of current accreditations and previous experience justifies expedition of applications through the assessment process on a case-by-case basis.
The extension to 30 September 2026 reflects ongoing recognition that some experienced practitioners continue to encounter practical difficulties in collating evidence and completing applications alongside professional commitments.
CRL has confirmed that, whilst maintaining appropriate standards of competency, public protection, and regulatory oversight remains paramount, it is appropriate to continue the temporary measures for a further limited period.
Applicants wishing to benefit from these temporary arrangements should ensure completed applications are submitted by 30 September 2026.
Commenting on the extension, David Thomas, Core Member of the CILEX Support Group, said:
“The CILEX Support Group welcomes CRL’s decision to extend these temporary refinements for a further three months. The measures represent a sensible and proportionate response to the exceptional circumstances which arose following the Mazur fallout and have helped reduce unnecessary duplication for experienced practitioners whilst maintaining proper regulatory standards and public protection.
The refinements have been particularly important for Chartered Legal Executives with substantial prior litigation experience, professional accreditations, and historic WBL evidence which continues to demonstrate competency and capability in practice.”
John Barwick, Chair of CILEX Regulation, said:
“CRL remains committed to ensuring that the litigation practice rights authorisation process is both robust and proportionate. The Board considered a number of factors in agreeing this extension, including application volumes, the need to maintain confidence in the authorisation framework, and the exceptional circumstances which originally led to the temporary adjustments being introduced.”
Find out more
Practice Rights application guidance
No action is required if an application has already been submitted, however should we require further evidence, applicants may draw upon examples from the extended time period.
