Institue of Legal Executives
LEVEL 3 Professional Diploma in Law & Practice
Part-Time (2 Years)
This programme of study is designed for people wanting to become a Legal Executive. The course will give you the basics of both law and legal practice and at the end you will achieve a Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law & Practice. It is an important first step to a career in law.
Here are some frequently asked questions:
What is ILEX?
ILEX, the Institute of Legal Executives is the governing body for all its Student Members, Members and Fellows. It was established in 1963. It has the same status as The Law Society has for solicitors and is recognised by the Ministry of Justice as being the ‘third arm’ of the legal profession. In other words, it has the same status as The Bar Council and The Law Society.
Who are Legal Executives and what do they do?
Legal Executives are fully qualified lawyers. A Legal Executive has a similar day to day role as a solicitor and they are valuable fee earning members of legal practices and some are in very senior positions heading up teams of lawyers. The Legal Services Act 2007 provided enormous opportunities to those involved in the legal services industry and Members and Fellows of ILEX are in a prime position to benefit. There really has never been a better time to become a Legal Executive.
Why should I choose Advance to study the law?
Advance is dedicated to ensuring that you receive the highest quality of education set in a professional environment. We see you as our valued customers and will provide an unprecedented quality of service and standard of education through our enthusiastic and fully qualified team of tutors and support staff.
When will I have to attend formal teaching sessions?
Two evenings a week from 5.30-7.30 p.m. commencing W/B September 26th. 2011. The course runs for 30 weeks a year and you will be required to sit ILEX accredited examinations in January and June of each year.
I have no formal qualifications. Will I still be accepted on the programme?
You will be accepted on the programme if you can provide a reference from either an employer or other suitable referee. We need to be satisfied that you are a suitable candidate for the programme which is the equivalent in academic standard as A Levels. However, those wishing to return to learning with previous working experience are well suited to this programme. Without an employment reference you will need a minimum of 4 GCSEs including English Language.
Why should I study this Programme?
This is a professional qualification designed to give you a broad knowledge of law and legal practice. It is suitable to those already in the legal profession although it will appeal to anyone who wishes to pursue a career in law. The ILEX route to qualification as a Legal Executive is a tried and tested method of legal training allowing you to ‘earn as you learn’. Not only is this a valuable qualification in its own right, the programme prepares you for the next stage of your training, the Level 6 Professional Higher Diploma in Law. Once you have successfully achieved both stages of your academic training you will be awarded Membership of ILEX. There is a requirement that you undertake five years practical training at work. However, if you already work under the supervision of a solicitor or Legal Executive this period may reduce accordingly. After this time you will be awarded Fellowship of ILEX.
You will have your own reasons for wanting to start your legal training. For some it will be to give you a better understanding of the law and the legal system of England & Wales giving you an additional insight into business matters or providing essential staff development for your employers. For many others though, it will represent the first steps in a desire to become a lawyer. The Diploma gives you the opportunity to achieve this goal without the need to go to university and all the expense that would involve. Most importantly though is that the programme is designed to fit into your busy working life.
Am I too old to think about going back into education and will I fit in with others?
You are never too old to consider a return to education and we welcome applications from all. We operate in a professional environment and age is an irrelevance. All class members have one common purpose and that is to learn about the law. Fitting in thus is never a problem and you will be made to feel welcome immediately.
How is the programme taught and by whom?
The programme is taught by professional tutors who embrace all the modern teaching techniques available. In the classroom you can expect to receive a variety of teaching methods to encompass all learning styles and requirements. We will always ensure that your time with us will be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Our reputation relies on your success so you can always be assured of high quality tuition.
How will my work be assessed?
The modular programme is assessed by skill based tasks, undertaken and assessed at the Centre with law and legal practice Units all being assessed by examinations in June and January. During the year your tutor will give you work to complete set at the same standard as the examinations and will provide you with detailed feedback on your performance. You will also have the opportunity to study past examination papers in the latter stages of each programme year.
Will I need to study at times other than in the classroom?
The answer to this is yes. However, we are all individuals working in different ways. In our opinion it will be necessary for you to devote a minimum of four extra hours a week to your studies. This might involve research or completing assignments or simply reading chapters in books and manuals.
How much does it cost?
The programme is divided into Law (substantive law subjects) and Practice (legal practice). The combination of law and practice subjects have the ILEX recommended total classroom time of 125 hours for each year. Tuition for both law and practice units is £570 for privately funded students and £570 a year (plus VAT at 20%) for employer (if VAT registered) funded students for the first year and £650 for private paying students and £650 plus VAT (at 20%) for employer (if VAT registered) funded students for the second year.There are additional costs payable to ILEX for examination and Student Membership fees. It is recommended that you also buy the ILEX Tutorial College manuals for Level 3 study. Installment payments available. Please enquire.
