The Welsh Government should fund Level 6 apprenticeships to provide more routes into a high-level legal career and meet increased demand for legal services in Wales, says CILEX (The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives).
While funded legal apprenticeships are available at Levels 3 and 5, this does not extend to Level 6 qualifications, which are equivalent to degree level and are currently funded in England. This presents a barrier to progression for those seeking to advance in legal and other professional services roles whilst remaining in employment.
Level 6 study through CILEX leads to qualification as a Chartered Legal Executive lawyer, a senior position in the legal profession.
Responding to the Welsh Government's skills audit, CILEX highlights Law Society figures showing 50% of the Welsh public experience barriers to accessing legal advice, while 85% of small and mid-sized law firms face challenges recruiting legal professionals.
Demand for legal services in Wales is particularly evident across local government, housing, planning, environmental regulation, social welfare and public law, with the regulatory complexity resulting from the development of devolved legislation a key driver. CILEX explains this is “creating additional demand for specialist professionals capable of navigating the distinct Welsh legislative framework”.
Other factors driving up demand for specialist lawyers include the need for legal professionals skilled in the use of AI, the growth of house building, proposed changes to the homebuying and selling process, and an ageing population requiring wills and probate advice. This is exacerbated by an ageing legal workforce, with Law Society statistics showing 38% of private practice legal professionals in Wales are over 50, rising to 52% in rural Wales.
Higher-level apprenticeship funding, CILEX explains, would help employers meet the need for specialist legal services, enabling “cost-effective workforce expansion and enhancing service diversity through training in more niche areas of law”. Through apprenticeships firms can “create a pipeline of specialist legal professionals based on regional demand”.
CILEX President Sara Fowler says:
“Legal services are an important element of the Welsh economy, both as a standalone industry but also as an enabler of growth, supporting public administration, business confidence and access to justice.
“As legal demand continues to rise, ensuring Wales has a sustainable pipeline of skilled legal professionals will be critical to meeting future workforce needs across both the public and private sectors. Funding high-level apprenticeships offers an opportunity to strengthen routes into the law and other professional occupations, giving aspiring lawyers from all backgrounds the chance to qualify whilst continuing to work.”
CILEX offers both vocational qualifications through its CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ) and delivers apprenticeships in Wales via other training providers.
