Criminal Litigator Pathway

The Criminal Litigator Pathway provides the academic route towards qualification as a Chartered Legal Executive Litigator in criminal litigation.

This pathway forms part of the CILEX Regulation education framework and supports learners working towards criminal litigation practice rights.

The course is designed for individuals who want to develop a specialist career in criminal law while studying in a flexible way that fits around professional and personal commitments.

Once learners have completed the required academic stage and gained the necessary experience, they may apply to CILEX Regulation for authorisation to practise as a Chartered Legal Executive Litigator (Criminal Litigation).

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Key information

Qualification: Chartered Legal Executive Litigator (Criminal Litigation)
Regulatory framework: CILEX Regulation
Study mode: Online learning
Start dates: Flexible enrolment throughout the year
Study duration: Flexible depending on experience and study pace

Course details

Course structure

Start dates

Entry requirements

Career opportunities

Fees and funding

How to apply

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for individuals who want to develop their career in criminal law and progress towards criminal litigation practice rights.

It may be appropriate for:

Individuals working in criminal law who want to gain a recognised qualification
Law graduates seeking a specialist pathway in criminal practice
Paralegals or legal professionals working in criminal defence or prosecution
Individuals starting a career in criminal law who want a structured training pathway

Course details

Your route to qualification

Becoming a Chartered Legal Executive Litigator (Criminal Litigation) involves several stages.

The Criminal Litigator Pathway provides the academic stage required before applying for criminal litigation practice rights.

The typical progression includes:

Step one: Complete the Criminal Litigator qualification.

Step two: Gain qualifying experience in criminal law.

Step three: Prepare professional portfolios demonstrating your legal work and competencies.

Step four: Submit an application to CILEX Regulation for criminal litigation practice rights.

Expanding your practice rights

After obtaining criminal litigation practice rights, you may choose to develop additional professional capabilities.

Rights of audience
You may obtain advocacy rights in criminal proceedings by completing an Advocacy Skills Course.

This qualification allows you to practise as a Chartered Legal Executive Litigator and Advocate (Criminal Litigation).

Higher rights of audience
You may also complete a Higher Rights Course to obtain advocacy rights in the higher criminal courts.

Course structure

The course combines academic study with professional preparation for criminal litigation practice. Learners will complete learning that supports the knowledge and professional skills required for criminal litigation work.

The course includes

Criminal litigation academic learning
Professional skills development
Preparation of professional portfolios
Assessment requirements aligned with CILEX Regulation standards

This structure helps learners develop the legal knowledge and professional competencies required for criminal litigation practice.

Modules

Core modules:

Introduction to law and legal practice
Introduction to dispute resolution
Introduction to conveyancing
Introduction to criminal practice
Introduction to wills and probate
Introduction to public law
Introduction to human rights law
Introduction to legal technology and Contextualised legal technology and Specialist legal technology
Conduct and professional ethics
Basic accounts

Specialism modules:

Contract law
Tort law
Civil litigation
Rules of evidence (Civil)

Assessments

Assessment requirements are aligned with the standards set by the relevant regulatory body.

The assessment types include multiple choice question formats and written answers to questions.

Additional requirements for criminal litigation practice rights, including professional portfolios and qualifying legal experience, are completed separately as part of the CILEX Regulation authorisation process.

Portfolio requirements and support

As part of the application process for criminal litigation practice rights, learners must prepare professional portfolios demonstrating their experience and competencies.

Law Training Centre provides guidance to help learners prepare these portfolios.

Learners will receive support with:

Structuring portfolio entries
Presenting case information clearly
Demonstrating legal knowledge and analysis
Identifying evidence that supports professional competencies

Portfolio demonstrating competencies
This portfolio demonstrates your ability to analyse and manage criminal cases.

Evidence may include:

A summary of the case and its progression
The law relevant to the matter
Procedural issues within the case
Evidential considerations
Professional conduct or ethical issues
Funding considerations
Legal research undertaken
Strategic decisions made during the case
Development needs identified during the case

Portfolio demonstrating litigation experience
This portfolio provides evidence of practical experience in criminal litigation.

It demonstrates that you have applied your legal knowledge in real professional settings.

Assessments

All assessment are exam based and are taken online via online proctoring. Assessment methods vary depending on the unit, including multiple choice questions, short answer, and single best answer questions.

For all assessments, 60% is required for pass.

Assessment windows take place 3 times a year. (February, June, October).

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Find out more about course modules

Course start dates

Law Training Centre offers flexible enrolment for many courses.

This allows learners to begin their studies at a time that suits their personal and professional commitments.

For information about enrolment opportunities, please contact the Law Training Centre team.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements may vary depending on your previous legal education and professional experience.

Typical entry routes may include:

A law degree
CILEX qualifications
Relevant legal work experience

If you are unsure whether you meet the entry requirements, the Law Training Centre team can provide guidance.

Exemptions

Learners who have completed relevant legal qualifications or professional training may be eligible for exemptions from certain elements of the course.

Applications for exemptions are considered on an individual basis. Please contact the Law Training Centre team for guidance.

Study online

Law Training Centre courses are designed to support flexible online learning.

Our approach allows learners to study while continuing their professional and personal commitments.

Learners benefit from:

Flexible study schedules
Structured learning materials
Tutor guidance and academic support
Access to online learning resources

This flexible approach allows learners to progress at a pace that suits their circumstances.

Career opportunities

Completing the Criminal Litigator Pathway supports progression towards criminal litigation practice rights.

Once authorised by CILEX Regulation, Chartered Legal Executive Litigators may practise independently in criminal litigation and undertake reserved legal activities.

Learners may also choose to develop additional professional capabilities.

Rights of audience

Higher rights of audience

Additional professional accreditations

Many criminal law professionals pursue additional accreditations to expand their professional opportunities.

Police station accreditation
Police Station Accreditation allows you to advise clients detained at police stations and support individuals during police interviews.

Duty solicitor qualification
The Duty Solicitor Qualification allows legal professionals to join the Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme (CLAS) and represent defendants in criminal proceedings.

As a Chartered Legal Executive, you also have the option to dual‑qualify in other areas of practice by completing the relevant specialism modules. Law Training Centre offers pathways in:

Conveyancing
Probate
Civil Litigation
Family Litigation

This flexibility allows you to build a diverse and adaptable legal career, expanding your expertise across multiple practice areas if you choose.

Fees and funding

The Criminal Litigator Pathway course fee is £X,XXX.

This includes:

Course materials
Tutor support
Access to the online learning platform
Assessment guidance

Payment plans may be available. Please contact the Law Training Centre team for further information.

Further information is available on:

Course fees
Payment options
Funding opportunities

Course fees

Scholarships

How to apply

You can apply for the Criminal Litigator Pathway online.

The application process includes the following steps:

Complete the online application form
Provide details of your qualifications or legal experience
Receive enrolment confirmation and course guidance

Develop your career in criminal law with flexible training from Law Training Centre.

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Speak to our team