Awarding Body: The Royal Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX)

What is ILEX?
ILEX (The Institute of Legal Executives) was established in 1963 and since then has had the support of the Law Society. It is the recognised professional body for the education of Legal Executives, the third branch of the legal profession, which works together with Solicitors and Barristers.
What is a Legal Executive?
The Legal Executive is a specialist in a specific area of law. The daily work of an Executive is similar to that of a solicitor. For example, a Legal Executive would possibly perform a conveyancing transaction, prepare litigation for the civil or criminal courts, draft a will, incorporate a company, and advise on family law. Also it may advise persons charged with a criminal offence.

The Legal Executive can appear in the High Court, County Court or Magistrates Court.

Duration:
Two years part time and one-year full time.

Entrance requirements:
4 GCSEs at grade C or above including English Language or Literature or equivalent (including the City and Guilds/ILEX level 2 Vocational Paralegal studies certificate). Exemptions may be available at level 3 GCSE A or above, students are advised to confirm this with the Membership Department of ILEX. However mature students over 21 years old without formal qualifications may be accepted.

Course structure
You need to study five mandatory law units (Units 1-5) and two mandatory professional skills units (Units 16 and 17). The remaining three units can either be two practice units (Units 9-15) and one law unit (Units 6-8), or three practice units.

Clarification: You will receive certificates for the ILEX Level 3 Certificate in Law and Practice and the ILEX Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice once you have achieved the required combination of units. You will also receive a certificate for each unit that you pass.
Examinations / Assessment
Combination of both  written examinations and set of assignments. (Legal Research and Client Care Skills by 100% assignments). 
Examinations take place at Whitechapel College in January and June every year. For full details of the examination, visit www.ilex.org.uk
Course commencement date:
September and February every year
Tuition and study
Full time course is taught by formal lectures, directed study and tutorials. Classes are provided for 15 hours a week for three days between 10.00am and 5.00pm.
Part-time classes take place on Monday and / or Tuesday between 6.00pm and 9.00pm. Part time weekend classes are available only on Saturday between 2.00pm and 5.00pm. Part-time students must mention on the application form their preference of attendance.