CILEX · PII
PI insurance for CILEX legal executives and CILEX-regulated practices
Reviewed by Matthew Bartlett, Director, Apex Insurance Brokers Limited · Published 14 July 2026
CILEX Regulation-authorised entities (CRUs) and independent CILEX legal executives increasingly deliver legal services in the UK across specific practice areas. This page maps the specific PII considerations for CILEX-regulated professionals in 2026.
The regulatory framework
- CILEX Regulation (CILEx Regulation) authorises entity-based practices called CILEX Regulated Bodies.
- Independent CILEX Fellows can deliver limited categories of legal work.
- Distinct from SRA regulation. CILEX Regulation is a separate regulator with its own rulebook.
- Practice areas. Typically probate, family, immigration, private client, some conveyancing.
- PII requirements. CILEX-Regulation-specific PII standards distinct from SRA MTC.
Key differences from SRA solicitors PII
- No single Qualifying Insurer scheme. Unlike SRA MTC, CILEX Regulation doesn't operate through a defined Qualifying Insurer list.
- Different minimum cover. CILEX Regulation sets its own minimums, typically less prescriptive than SRA MTC.
- Different renewal date. CILEX firms renew on the firm's authorisation anniversary, not a fixed sector-wide date.
- Different market. Some SRA insurers write CILEX; some don't. Specialist market for CILEX-Regulation-authorised entities.
What insurers ask
- Practice areas and volume within each.
- Client mix — consumer, commercial, both.
- Complaint record and CILEX Regulation engagement.
- Personnel — qualified CILEX Fellows and non-qualified staff.
- Financial resilience.
- Consumer Duty implementation where applicable (some CILEX-regulated activities touch FCA-regulated activity).
Cover options
- CILEX Regulation-approved insurers writing entity cover.
- General professional PI insurers extending to CILEX-authorised work.
- Specialist brokers familiar with the CILEX-Regulation framework.
- Lloyd's syndicates in some cases via wholesale for complex CILEX-Regulation entities.
Common claim triggers
- Missed limitation deadlines. Time-sensitive personal-injury or contract matters.
- Probate errors. Estate distribution mistakes.
- Property-related errors. Where CILEX firms do conveyancing-adjacent work.
- Family-law procedural errors.
- Immigration application failures.
- Client-communication challenges.
Getting cover in place
- Confirm CILEX-Regulation entity authorisation.
- Discuss practice-mix and turnover with specialist broker.
- Address any prior claims or CILEX-Regulation engagement.
- Confirm cover meets CILEX-Regulation standards.
- Renew alongside CILEX-Regulation authorisation cycle.
Frequently asked
Do CILEX legal executives need PI insurance?
Firms authorised by CILEX Regulation need PII to CILEX Regulation standards. Individual CILEX Fellows delivering legal services through their own practice similarly need cover.
Is CILEX PII the same as solicitors' MTC?
No. CILEX Regulation has its own PII framework distinct from the SRA Minimum Terms and Conditions. Standards, market and mechanics all differ.
Which insurers write CILEX PII?
A narrower market than SRA solicitors' PII. Some general professional PI insurers extend cover; some specialise; some don't write it. Specialist broker with CILEX-Regulation familiarity essential.
What are the minimum cover requirements for CILEX firms?
CILEX Regulation sets specific minimums for authorised entities. Practical typical range: £1m-£5m per claim depending on practice area and turnover. Check current CILEX Regulation guidance.
Can I transfer from CILEX Regulation to SRA?
Yes, individual CILEX Fellows can qualify as solicitors, and firms can seek dual authorisation or transition. PII implications: SRA MTC applies once authorised; separate cover arrangements at transition.
Does CILEX PII cover me if I do work outside the CILEX-authorised scope?
Only work within the authorised scope is covered. Work outside scope may not be covered and may attract regulatory issues from CILEX Regulation. Stay within authorised practice areas.
What is the difference between CILEX and CILEx Regulation?
CILEX (the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) is the professional body for legal executives. CILEx Regulation is the independent regulator of CILEX-authorised entities and Fellows. Similar structure to Bar Council and BSB.
Do I need Public Liability alongside PI as a CILEX firm?
For firms with client-facing offices, yes typically. PL covers premises exposures; PI covers legal advisory work. Often bundled in professional-firm packages.