On 12 May 2025, Law Society Gazette journalist Michael Cross reported that the Privy Council has approved an amendment to the Royal Charter of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX), enabling legal professionals to adopt the title “CILEX Chartered Paralegal.” According to CILEX, the change marks the first formal recognition of paralegals as a distinct legal profession and aims to support individuals who have entered the legal sector through non-traditional routes.
CILEX president Yanthé Richardson described the development as a significant step in raising professional standards, enhancing public trust, and promoting greater diversity in legal services, given the unique demographic make-up of CILEX’s membership. The organisation emphasised that the charter amendment also permits the future introduction of a new suite of “CILEX Chartered Lawyer” titles, though it clarified that no such titles have been implemented to date.
The Law Society expressed strong opposition to the move, citing concerns that the proposed “chartered lawyer” title could mislead consumers and increase confusion in the legal market. Law Society president Richard Atkinson stated that the change reflects CILEX’s continued pursuit of regulation under the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), a move the Law Society opposes on grounds that it would undermine consumer protection and strain the SRA’s resources, particularly in light of recent recommendations following the Axiom Ince collapse.