The Evolving Legal Landscape: Why It’s Time to Rethink the Route to Qualification
For many law graduates, the dream of becoming a solicitor has long been tied to one golden ticket: the training contract. But with the legal education landscape shifting, and the Legal Practice Course (LPC) being phased out, that dream may now feel further away than ever.
It’s no secret that securing a training contract has always been competitive, but as the traditional routes shrink, we need to open our eyes to the other pathways into a successful legal career—CILEX and CLC. For graduates seeking to qualify, for junior conveyancers eager to progress, and for those wanting a more flexible, practical approach, these alternative routes can offer a fast track to career success.
The Reality: Fewer Training Contracts, More Competition
The introduction of the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) means law firms are rethinking their recruitment strategies. While the SQE aims to level the playing field, many firms are still adapting—and the number of traditional training contracts available is unlikely to increase. For graduates and junior professionals, this can feel like hitting a brick wall.
But here’s the thing: the legal industry isn’t just about solicitors. There are other regulated, respected, and in-demand legal professionals making a difference every day—especially in conveyancing.
The CILEX and CLC Advantage: A Practical Path to Progression
If you’re a law graduate looking for a way in, or a junior conveyancer aiming to climb the ladder, CILEX (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) and CLC (Council for Licensed Conveyancers) routes are worth serious consideration.
Let’s break them down:
CILEX: The All-Round Legal Professional Route
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Flexibility: Study while you work, earning and learning simultaneously.
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Recognition: CILEX lawyers have the same rights of audience and can specialise in a wide range of legal areas, including property, private client, and litigation.
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Cost-Effective: Avoid the hefty fees of the LPC or SQE. CILEX offers a more affordable path to qualification.
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Progression: You can qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive, and even become a partner in a law firm or gain rights of audience.
CLC: The Conveyancing Specialist Route
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Focused Expertise: If conveyancing is your passion, the CLC route gives you a direct, specialist pathway.
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In Demand: The property market needs qualified conveyancers—and CLC-qualified professionals are highly sought after.
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No Training Contract Required: The CLC route is designed to get you into qualified practice sooner, without the bottleneck of a traditional training contract.
Why It Matters: Be Proactive, Not Just Patient
I speak to law graduates every day who are stuck in paralegal roles, waiting for that elusive training contract. I also meet junior conveyancers who are doing incredible work but aren’t progressing because they think a training contract is the only option.
It’s time to change the narrative.
The legal profession needs skilled, qualified professionals—especially in conveyancing, where demand is high. By taking the CILEX or CLC route, you can qualify, stand out, and build a fulfilling career—without waiting in line for a training contract that may never come.
Your Next Step
If you’re a law graduate or junior conveyancer feeling stuck, explore your options:
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Talk to your employer about supporting your studies.
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Research the CILEX and CLC routes—they’re not second-best; they’re smart alternatives.
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Get proactive: Take control of your career progression, and don’t wait for opportunities to fall into your lap.
The legal landscape is evolving, and so should your approach. Whether it’s CILEX, CLC, or SQE, there’s more than one way to achieve your legal ambitions. Let’s stop waiting—and start building the careers we deserve.
Contact me in confidence regarding your career pathway, and hopefully, I can offer some interesting insights and help you in your next step: Hannah@tsrlegal.co.uk / 02920 388100.
