Damar Training are launching a new approved qualification for future Chartered Legal Executives.
Level 6 Legal Professional is a response to a legal sector undergoing rapid change. It builds on conversations with employers, student feedback and Damar’s experience of delivering legal apprenticeships for well over a decade. With technology, including AI, playing an increasingly important part in the work of junior lawyers, Legal Professional is designed to be robust, agile and responsive to the changing needs of the sector.
The qualification will be embedded within the Chartered Legal Executive apprenticeship standard delivered by Damar from September 2026 and provides an all-age apprenticeship route to qualification for private practice and in-house legal teams. It is expected to be available, initially, for existing paralegals working in one of five practice areas: civil or criminal litigation, business, conveyancing and probate. In some cases, students will have progressed from the paralegal apprenticeship standard.
The programme marks an extension of Damar’s partnership with BARBRI, the world’s largest provider of legal learning solutions, on the solicitor apprenticeship. In addition to 1:1 and group coaching from Damar, CILEX apprentices will also benefit from BARBRI’s market-leading technology and learning materials. On completion, apprentices will qualify as Chartered Legal Executives. Some may then choose to progress to CILEX Advocate or, if appropriate, study to cross-qualify as a solicitor.
The new qualification has two parts. Part 1 focuses on black letter law and the building of knowledge and practice skills across core subject areas, with students being assessed through standalone tests in each area, including at level 6 in their area of specialism. Part 2 concentrates on the in-work application of skills and includes a practice area-related dissertation.
Early interest has been strong, with the September cohort already nearly full. A second cohort will start in March 2027.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the qualification, please get in touch. We’d love the opportunity to discuss how this exciting new programme can support your legal practice or in-house legal team.