Become a Qualified
Costs Lawyer – Accredited
Training with ACLT
ACLT is the only Costs Lawyer Standards Board accredited provider offering the qualifying course for those wishing to practice as Costs Lawyers in England & Wales.
Flexible, Accredited Training for Costs Lawyers
ACLT provides a structured and accredited pathway to becoming a qualified Costs Lawyer. Whether you’re starting your journey or looking to formalise your expertise, our programme delivers a well-rounded legal education designed to fit around your work commitments.
A Career in Costs Law
Develop expertise in costs litigation, advocacy, and budgeting. Our accredited qualification provides the legal authority to represent clients and advance your career, whether you’re new to the field or enhancing your credentials in this specialised area of law.
Our Course Offering
Gain practical, industry-focused training designed to equip you for real-world legal challenges. Our structured programme combines expert-led teaching with hands-on learning, ensuring you’re fully prepared for costs litigation and legal budgeting.
For Employers
Invest in your legal team’s success and strengthen your firm’s financial position. Our accredited training not only enhances your employees’ expertise in costs law and advocacy but also helps add value to your firm by optimising legal costs, improving efficiency, and generating new revenue streams.
Costs Lawyer Professional Qualification (CLPQ)
The recognised route to becoming a qualified Costs Lawyer. Our two-year, part-time programme equips you with the legal expertise, advocacy rights, and industry-recognised qualification needed to excel in costs law. Designed for working professionals, the course provides the flexibility to study while you gain practical experience.
What You’ll Learn
Year 1: Building Strong Legal Foundations
- Contract Law – Understanding the enforceability of legal agreements
- Law of Tort – Analysing negligence and liability in civil cases
- Civil Litigation – Managing disputes and procedural rules
- Professional Standards & Ethics – Adhering to industry regulations
Year 2: Specialist Training in Costs Law and Advocacy
- Costs Pleadings – the recovery or challenge of costs
- Legal Aid – the mechanics of legal aid funding for costs in criminal and civil litigation
- Lawyer-Client – the law relating to funding arrangements, contracts of retainer and costs between lawyer and client.
- Practice & Procedure – the principles of case and costs management of claims progressing through the civil litigation system
Applications for the CLPQ Feb 2026 are now open, closing date 16 Feb 2026
Apply Now
National Apprenticeship Week 2026: Shaping the Future of the Costs Lawyer Profession
National Apprenticeship Week 2026 feels particularly significant for us at ACL Training (ACLT). We are at an exciting stage in our progression to delivery of the Costs Lawyer Apprenticeship. Not only this, but it coincides with our major milestone in our own history as it has been 25 years since ACLT was incorporated. Twenty five […]
A Year into the CLPQ: Lessons, Challenges and Real-World Wins
Twelve months ago, Sarah Jane Lewis shared why she chose the Costs Lawyer Professional Qualification (CLPQ), giving us a glimpse into the early stages of balancing work, study, and ambition. Now, a year in and halfway through the course, she’s reflecting on how the past year has shaped her skills, confidence and career direction. In […]
Qualifying as a Costs Lawyer: Recognition and Regulation
If you’re considering a career in law and want a role that blends litigation strategy, financial management, and client impact, qualifying as a Costs Lawyer could be the path for you. The Costs Lawyer Professional Qualification (CLPQ) offers a clear route into a regulated profession that plays a vital role in the justice system. Thinking […]
I believe the justice system is integral to a fully functioning society and costs law is a fundamental part of the judicial system. If bills are not prepared, costs are not recovered and access to justice could be in question. It may not be a widely known legal path to follow but it is arguably one of the most important.
Costs will always be vital to the sector so it is an investment that will pay off in dividends. It’s also an incredibly interesting role that I believe could evolve into more of an advisory role to help keep disputes out of court. For anyone considering a role in costs I would highly recommend this course as it provides knowledge in the bucket load and is designed to help you succeed.
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