The new standards are defined by specialist pathway in the following areas:
- Dispute Resolution (Civil Litigation)
- Criminal Litigation
- Family Litigation
- Immigration
- Probate
- Conveyancing
- Employment
- Business
- General*
The rules and requirements for each of the specialist pathways can be found here.
Important note to applicants
Application handbooks relating to each of the nine specialist pathways have been updated (as of 28 January 2025). Current applicants who are part way through the process, can continue their application using the previous version of the relevant handbook, or transition to the updated versions (please then state on your application submission whether the new or previous version was used).
How we will assess applications against the new requirements
| Knowledge | We will check your academic qualifications. |
| Experience | We will assess your experience through submission of a qualifying employment application form. |
| Competence | We will assess your competence through the submission of a portfolio of evidence. |
| References and conduct | We will ask you to provide a reference from your employer and you will be required to complete a conduct declaration and standard DBS. |
| If you specialise in litigation and advocacy | You will need to complete a six-day course and assessment. |
If you are currently studying for CILEX authorisation, the transitional arrangements can be found here.
*only to be used where there is not a specialist framework to accommodate the specialism of the applicant. For further information, please email mark.wood@cilexregulation.org.uk.
