Already Working in Law

Take the next step in your legal career.

You’re already working in a legal or legally aligned role. We’ll help you understand the study options that may support your career goals while allowing you to continue developing.

A professional in conversation with a colleague in an office setting.

Your Options

Two main routes for people already working in law.

Whether you want to build your legal knowledge, gain a recognised qualification or progress towards greater professional responsibility, the right route will depend on the qualifications and experience you already have.

CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ)

The CPQ provides a flexible route through recognised legal qualifications, with the stage you study depending on the qualifications you already hold.

Foundation

Level 3

Relevant for people without existing legal qualifications, including people already working in the legal sector who want qualifications to progress.

Average duration: Around 18 months
Brightlink tuition: £1,810
Could lead to: Potential progression into paralegal work and CILEX Paralegal status, subject to professional-experience requirements.

Advanced

Level 5

Entry: CPQ Foundation Stage
Average duration: Around 2 years
Brightlink tuition: £3,397
Could lead to: Potential progression into Advanced Paralegal work and greater case and workload responsibility.

Professional

Level 6

This stage follows a more structured schedule and coaching model.

Entry: CPQ Foundation and Advanced Stages
Duration: Around 10–12 months
Brightlink tuition: £1,950
Could lead to: Progression towards qualification as a CILEX Lawyer, subject to the relevant qualification, professional, regulatory and experience requirements.

Please note: CILEX membership and course registration fees are payable directly to CILEX in addition to Brightlink course fees, regardless of which training provider you study with.

Talk to Us about CPQ

Welsh Legal Services Apprenticeship

If you’re employed in an eligible legal or legally aligned role in Wales, a funded apprenticeship may allow you to gain recognised qualifications while continuing to work.

Level 3

Working 16 or more hours per week
Employed in a legal or legally aligned role
Earning at least the applicable National Minimum Wage
At least 51% of working time in Wales
Subject to relevant existing-qualification and apprenticeship eligibility requirements

Duration: Around 2 years
Funding: Fully funded by the Welsh Government for eligible learners, except exam resits, which are funded by employers.
Could lead to: Can support progression into paralegal-level work and potentially the Level 5 apprenticeship, subject to the relevant requirements.

Level 5

Relevant starting point: CPQ Foundation Stage or the Level 3 Welsh Legal Services Apprenticeship, subject to the relevant eligibility requirements.
Employment / location: Broadly the same as Level 3 — 16+ hours per week, legal or legally aligned employment, at least the applicable National Minimum Wage, and 51%+ of working time in Wales.
Duration: Around 2 years
Funding: Fully funded by the Welsh Government for eligible learners, except exam resits, which are funded by employers.
Could lead to: Can support progression into Advanced Paralegal-level work and further CPQ progression, subject to the relevant professional requirements.

Apprenticeship eligibility depends on your employment, location and existing qualifications. If you’re unsure whether your current role or qualifications are compatible, talk to Brightlink and we’ll help you understand the route.

Explore Legal Services Apprenticeships

Studying CPQ Foundation?

Eligible Brightlink CPQ Foundation Stage learners may be covered by the Paralegal Success Pledge, providing continued academic support following an unsuccessful examination attempt where the pledge requirements are met. Learn about the Paralegal Success Pledge

Why Study with Brightlink?

Support that fits around your work.

Flexible online learning
Study online around your existing work and responsibilities.
Specialist tutor support
Get guidance and one-to-one support from a named specialist tutor.
Practical resources
Use structured learning resources, practice questions, mock exams and revision support.
Career-focused learning
Develop legal knowledge and professional skills that relate to progression in legal work.
Ongoing support
We’re here to help throughout your study, with live support and regular workshops.

Where Could This Take Your Career?

Build on your experience.

Further study can help you strengthen your expertise, take on greater responsibility and work towards your longer-term professional goals.

Develop your skills

Build on your existing experience and strengthen your legal knowledge and professional capability.

Take on greater responsibility

Develop towards more senior, fee-earning or specialist legal work as your knowledge, qualifications and experience grow.

Progress towards recognised professional status

Depending on your qualifications, experience and chosen route, you could work towards professional recognition as a CILEX Paralegal, CILEX Advanced Paralegal or CILEX Lawyer, subject to the relevant requirements.

Have Questions?

Talk to us.

If you’re already working in law and want to understand which route may be right for your experience, qualifications and career goals, our team can help.

Talk to Us

Prefer to speak to someone?

02921 888386

We’re happy to talk through your options and answer any questions.