Legal training in Wales boosted by universities

09 July 2015

Two universities in South Wales have been given the go-ahead to deliver innovative legal training courses by the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx).

The University of South Wales and University of Wales, Trinity Saint David’s Swansea Business School are set to enrol students who will follow CILEx’s earn-as-you-learn route to becoming a qualified lawyer.

President of CILEx, Frances Edwards (pictured), who is also a family lawyer at Caswell Jones Solicitors in Caerphilly, South Wales said: “I’m pleased to announce the University of South Wales and University of Wales Trinity Saint David have met our rigorous standards to deliver our flexible learning pathway to a career in law. The needs of both legal businesses and students are continually evolving; the flexibility, accessibility and affordability of the CILEx route meets those needs.”

Bronwen Williams, from the Faculty of Business and Management at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), said: “With changes in how legal services are provided, structured and funded the university recognises there is an opportunity to meet those changes and provide alternative routes into the legal profession. Introducing CILEx as part of our new Law portfolio is a way of widening access into the legal services profession which can still be unobtainable for talented learners who are put off by the high cost of the traditional route. We will be offering a range of CILEx courses, from Level 3 and Level 6 Law and Practice to the Graduate Fast-track Diploma in a variety of delivery options.”

Bronwen continued: “UWTSD is about transforming education and we see this as a way to transform entry into the legal profession which will ultimately transform the lives of the students we aim to attract. This very unique and exciting opportunity for the university and we are proud to be working with CILEx.”

University of South Wales’ Sarah Grabham, Associate Head of School of Law, Accounting and Finance said: “The university is thrilled to have been awarded accredited centre status from the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives. We look forward to working closely with CILEx with a view to promoting the delivery of the Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice and the Graduate Fast-track Diploma and raising the profile of Chartered Legal Executives, as an alternative route into the legal profession.”

There are now seven accredited CILEx centres in Wales delivering the professional lawyer qualifications.

Full list of CILEx accredited centres in Wales:

• Cardiff & Vale College
• Cardiff College Online
• Coleg Gwent
• Grwp Llandrillo Menai
• Lexium Legal Ltd
• University of South Wales
• University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Find out more about studying for your career in law.

ENDS