Over 1,000 CILEX lawyers have successfully obtained litigation practice rights, enabling them to carry out litigation without the need for supervision, in the wake of the Mazur judgment.
CILEx Regulation (CRL), which oversees the education, qualification and practice standards of chartered legal executives, said 1094 professionals had obtained practice rights authorisations via the University of Law Assessment or CRL Portfolio route since the original judgment in September 2025.
Offering his congratulations, CRL chair Jonathan Rees said: “We recognise the considerable distress and uncertainty the September 2025 Mazur judgment caused for many chartered legal executives and welcomed the recent Mazur Court of Appeal judgment and the clarity and reassurance it has brought for those affected.
“That over 1,000 chartered legal executives have now gained litigation practice rights is hugely impressive. We would like to offer our sincere congratulations to everyone who has successfully completed the process of obtaining practice rights. This achievement required immense fortitude, under extremely stressful circumstances, often balanced alongside demanding existing work commitments.
“In our role as regulator, our priority remains to support chartered legal executives to be able to deliver high-quality legal services with confidence. To this end, we would encourage eligible chartered legal executives to apply for practice rights, to help achieve professional parity and maintain high professional standards.”
CRL moved quickly following the Mazur judgment to secure standalone practice rights for litigation in the areas of criminal, civil, and family litigation. At the time, it had already been in negotiation with the Legal Services Board (LSB) and the application was subsequently fast-tracked and approved. A portfolio route to qualification and an assessment-only University of Law route were established.
Sarah Fenn (FCILEx), who successfully completed the University of Law assessment route, said: “I was apprehensive regarding taking exams and the procedure involved. However, from the start ULaw were informative and helpful. I thoroughly appreciated all the pre-learning guidance and advanced exam papers.
“Their tutors are outstanding and I passed with flying colours, helped by ULaw’s guidance leading up to the exams, including systems, learning content and what to expect, putting you at ease.”
Darren Bowen took the CRL Civil Litigation Portfolio route option. He said: “It was a great relief to be granted litigation practice rights in March this year, enabling me to continue to provide services to my clients. The last few months have been challenging for me and many of my colleagues, and I congratulate all those who have successfully completed the portfolio process.”
Despite the success of the appeal against the Mazur decision in March, CRL said it continued to work closely with other regulators and stakeholders to ensure that updated guidance reflects the full implications of the appeal judgment and is clear for all.
The impact of Mazur reinforced its “long-held view” that the 2007 Legal Services Act requires an extensive overhaul, CRL said, in order to provide a clear regulatory framework that meets the needs of both consumers and professionals.
