
CILEx Regulation the year in review
CILEx Regulation looks at the highlights and challenges of 2016.

Research shows room for improvement on Client Care Letters
New research commissioned by legal regulators and the Legal Services Consumer Panel (LSCP) has identified principles to help legal services providers better communicate with their clients.

Change to Work-based Learning Scheme
Following a review of the scheme requirements, CILEx Regulation has announced a reduction in the number of examples required to meet the Work-based Learning outcomes. Those outcomes that previously needed to be met three times now have to be met twice. Members are urged to review the guidance on the CILEx Regulation website for further information.

CILEx Regulation responds to LSB's vision
CILEx Regulation's Chairman, Sam Younger CBE, responds to the Legal Services Board (LSB) vision for legislative reform of the regulatory framework for legal services in England and Wales.

CILEx Regulation Welcomes LSB's Regulators' Performance Review
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has published the conclusions of its latest performance reviews of the eight legal service regulators, alongside individual performance reports for each regulator, including CILEx Regulation.

Licensing Rules Consultation
CILEx Regulation is asking stakeholders for views on applying to the Legal Services Board for powers to approve and regulate Alternative Business Structures (ABS). The consultation seeks views on making the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) a Licensing Authority in its capacity as an Approved Regulator, who would then delegate the regulatory activity to CILEx Regulation in the same way as for the other powers the regulator holds.

Seven-year rule to be scrapped
The rule that only allows exemption from CILEx qualifications for law degrees achieved in the last seven years is to be scrapped following approval from the Legal Services Board (LSB).
CILEx Regulation’s head of policy and governance Jill Durham said: “We believe in removing unnecessary regulatory requirements. The seven-year rule was arbitrary, and was inconsistent with our exemptions for other qualifications. By scrapping the rule we are making it easier for law graduates to become Chartered Legal Executives or CILEx Practitioners, whilst ensuring their knowledge and skills are up to date through their work-based learning portfolios.”
Work-based learning applications include at least three years’ qualifying employment, and demonstration of 27 learning outcomes required from day one of being a CILEx lawyer. These requirements include application of law and legal practice as part of the skills outcomes that must be proved; ensuring applicants have current knowledge, skills and experience in their specialist area of practice.

Consultation launched on CILEx Regulation powers to authorise ABSs
CILEx Regulation, the independent regulator of specialist lawyers, is asking stakeholders for views on applying to the Legal Services Board (LSB) for powers to approve and regulate Alternative Business Structures (ABSs).

Review of innovative regulation announced
CILEx Regulation is to review its innovative regulatory model, including whether the process can be streamlined for paralegals to become specialist lawyers - capable of setting up their own firms and operating independently.

Advocacy Quality a Matter for Regulators Not Government
The Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates (QASA) should be incorporated into any register of advocates established by the Legal Aid Agency, says CILEx Regulation, the independent regulator of specialist lawyers including criminal advocates.

Report: Insurance red tape costs firms more than 50% extra
CILEx Regulation calls for LSB to direct regulators to eliminate barrier when switching regulator.

CILEx Regulation chair statement on legal services regulation consultation
CILEx Regulation's chair Sam Younger on the announcement the Government will consult on changes to legal services regulation.