Kara Sears
In the United States, formal law qualifications are only offered at the postgraduate level. Candidates must have a strong bachelor's degree and good results on their Law School Admissions Test to be considered for a place at a US law school. One of the most common law degrees in the country is the Juris Doctor (JD), which is considered the first degree in law in America. The LLM, or Master of Laws, is another postgraduate qualification that is often undertaken by students who will teach law at the degree level. While it is possible to do a law conversion course in the US, it is important to note that the specific requirements and pathways may vary depending on the state and the law school.
Law Conversion Courses in the US
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Course name | LLM (Master of Laws) |
| Who is it for? | Non-law graduates, international students |
| Course length | 1 year full-time, other options available |
| Entry requirements | Undergraduate degree, strong grades, English proficiency test (if applicable) |
| Course content | Specialisation in an area of law, US legal system |
| Qualification level | Postgraduate |
| Further qualifications needed to practice law? | Yes, JD (Juris Doctor) |
| JD course length | 3 years full-time |
| JD entry requirements | Undergraduate degree, Law School Admissions Test |
| Can international students take the bar exam? | Not in every US state |
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What You'll Learn
Entry requirements for law conversion courses in the US
Law conversion courses are available to graduates of any degree. The entry requirements for a law conversion course in the US are as follows:
Minimum Degree Requirement
A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in any subject from a recognised UK institution (or overseas equivalent) is required. This is the standard entry requirement for most law conversion courses.
Proof of English Proficiency
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide proof of proficiency in English, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. This is a common requirement for international students applying to law conversion courses in the US.
Work Experience and References
Some institutions may consider applicants who do not meet the minimum degree requirement but have other qualifications, strong references, or relevant work experience. Work experience and references can be advantageous, especially if you do not meet the standard academic entry requirements.
Certificate of Academic Standing
If your undergraduate degree is from outside the UK and you wish to pursue a career as a barrister, you will need a Certificate of Academic Standing from the Bar Standards Board (BSB). This is a necessary step before proceeding onto a Barrister Training Course (BTC).
Pre-Course Study
Some law conversion courses may require pre-course study or preparation. For example, the English Legal System & Constitutional Law module at some institutions requires 25 hours of pre-course study through guided units. It is important to check the specific requirements of your chosen course and institution.
It is worth noting that while a law conversion course is not a mandatory regulatory requirement for non-law graduates before starting their SQE journey, it is strongly recommended by many leading law firms and is an entry requirement for some SQE programmes.
Additionally, some law firms may require a formal conversion course, such as a PGDL or PGDL as part of an MA, depending on whether you plan to qualify via the LPC or SQE route. Therefore, it is essential to research the requirements of specific law firms and course providers, as these requirements may change over time.
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Law conversion courses for non-law graduates
Law conversion courses are available for non-law graduates in the US and UK. These courses are designed to give non-law graduates the knowledge and skills required to access a legal career. They are especially useful for those who want to become barristers or solicitors.
Course Options
There are several law conversion courses available for non-law graduates. These include:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) or Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL): This is a traditional conversion course that provides you with a formal qualification demonstrating your academic knowledge of the law.
- Common Professional Examination (CPE): This course prepares you for the next level of study, such as the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) for trainee solicitors or the Bar Practice Course (BPTC) for prospective barristers.
- Master of Arts (MA) Law conversion course: This course is similar to the PGDL but includes a higher level of specialisation in an area of law and a research focus.
- SQE Law Essentials: This is a short course that provides essential legal knowledge for non-law graduates looking to progress to the SQE1.
- LLM Law Conversion with SQE1: This course combines a law conversion course with SQE1 preparation, building foundational legal knowledge and developing expertise in legal practice areas assessed in SQE1.
Course Requirements
To be considered for a law conversion course, non-law graduates typically need a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in any subject from a recognised institution. A better grade in your non-law degree can improve your chances of securing a place on a conversion course and obtaining in-work training.
Benefits of Converting to Law as a Non-Law Graduate
Converting to law as a non-law graduate offers several benefits, including:
- Transferable Skills: Non-law graduates bring a wealth of transferable skills from their previous degrees and careers, which can be advantageous in legal practice.
- Fresh Perspective: Employers value the fresh perspective and experience that non-law graduates offer, especially in subjects unrelated to law.
- Determination and Motivation: Choosing law as a second career demonstrates determination and motivation to pursue a new field, which employers favour.
Funding Options
There is no statutory funding for law conversion courses, and funding from local education authorities is rare. However, some law firms offer sponsorship for conversion courses, and you may be eligible for a Postgraduate Master's Loan for an MA Law conversion course.
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Funding for law conversion courses
Funding a law conversion course can be a significant financial responsibility, with course fees of up to £13,000, not including maintenance expenses. However, there are several options available to fund your studies.
Student Loans
If you opt for a Master's-type conversion course, such as an MA or LLM, you may be eligible for a Postgraduate Master's Loan of up to £11,836 or £12,471, depending on your location. Eligibility for the loan varies across the UK and depends on your education history, nationality, institution, and course type.
Scholarships and Bursaries
Many law schools and course providers offer scholarships and bursaries to prospective students. Scholarships are often awarded based on academic excellence, leadership skills, and passion for a career in law. Additionally, institutions may provide bursaries to increase diversity in the legal sector by supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Employer Sponsorship
Some law firms and employers offer sponsorship and grants to cover course fees and living expenses for their trainees. They may also provide part-time study training contracts, allowing you to combine part-time study with full-time work, which can count towards completing your training contract.
The Law Society's Diversity Access Scheme (DAS)
The DAS is a scholarship programme that supports disadvantaged students interested in becoming lawyers due to their race, class, sexuality, or income. The scheme covers the fees for SQE preparatory courses, providing an opportunity to save money on your law conversion course.
Self-Funding
If you plan to self-fund your law conversion course, you can explore alternative lenders who offer loans to recent graduates for further studies. It is important to ensure that the lender is authorised before committing to any financial agreements. Additionally, some course providers may offer discounts or free PGDL funding for low-income students.
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Law conversion courses for prospective barristers
Law conversion courses are designed for graduates of any degree discipline who want to pursue a legal career. These courses are especially useful for prospective barristers who do not have a law degree.
Conversion courses are available at institutions across the UK, including The University of Law, and can be studied full-time or part-time. They are typically one-year programmes, though they can also be studied part-time over two years. The course condenses the academic law knowledge that you’d usually get from a three- or four-year qualifying law degree.
After completing a conversion course, prospective barristers will need to take the Barrister Training Course (BTC). This is a regulatory requirement for non-law graduates. The BTC is a one-year, practical course that provides training specific to a junior barrister. It is followed by a 12-month work placement known as a pupillage.
It is strongly recommended by most leading law firms that prospective barristers complete a law conversion course before starting their SQE journey. Scholarships for conversion courses may be available from one of the Inns of Court.
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Law conversion courses for prospective solicitors
Law conversion courses are designed for graduates of any degree discipline who want to pursue a legal career. These courses are especially beneficial for those aiming to become solicitors or barristers without having studied law at the undergraduate level. They are also known as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or the Common Professional Exam (CPE) and are typically one-year full-time courses or two-year part-time courses.
The GDL provides students with the essential legal knowledge they need to pursue a legal career. It is an accelerated learning programme that condenses the academic law knowledge usually gained through a qualifying law degree. The course may include modules such as legal principles, theory, and foundational professional skills, preparing students for future professional qualifications and practice.
There are several law conversion course options available, and each can lead to qualification as a solicitor or barrister. The choice depends on individual career paths and aspirations. Here are some of the options:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL): Formerly known as the GDL, it is the traditional conversion course that provides a formal qualification demonstrating academic knowledge of the law. It is often a prerequisite for further qualifications, such as the LPC or SQE.
- Master of Arts (MA) Law conversion course: This course is similar to the PGDL but includes a higher level of specialisation in an area of law and a research focus. It enables students to keep their options open if they want to become a solicitor or barrister.
- LLM Law conversion course with SQE1: This master's course combines a law conversion curriculum with SQE1 preparation. It builds foundational legal knowledge and then develops expertise in the legal practice areas assessed in SQE1.
- SQE Law Essentials: This is a short conversion course specifically for non-law graduates who want to progress to SQE1. It provides essential legal knowledge as a foundation for further SQE exams.
- Legal Practice Course (LPC): A one-year, full-time course that prepares students for the work of a trainee solicitor. It is skills-based and knowledge-based and is typically taken after the GDL for those aspiring to become solicitors.
- Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC): A one-year practical course that provides training specific to junior barristers. It is followed by a twelve-month work placement called pupilage for those pursuing a career as a barrister.
It is important to note that some law firms may require a formal conversion course, such as the PGDL or MA, regardless of the qualification route chosen (LPC or SQE). Additionally, some course providers may mandate a full formal conversion course before undertaking SQE preparation.
When choosing a law conversion course, it is advisable to consider factors such as course content, location, and the reputation of the institution among law firms. It is also beneficial to speak to peers and alumni to gain insights and advice about the course and its suitability for individual career goals.
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Frequently asked questions
A law conversion course is an accelerated learning programme that provides non-law graduates with the essential legal knowledge and skills needed to access a legal career. It is designed to get individuals to the same level as someone with an undergraduate law degree.
The entry requirements for a law conversion course include a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in any subject from a recognised UK institution (or overseas equivalent). Good grades in a first degree are vital for increasing your chances of securing a place on a course and the in-work training needed to qualify.
In the United States, formal law qualifications are only offered to students who are studying at a postgraduate level. Therefore, to be eligible for a law conversion course in America, you would need to have completed an undergraduate degree beforehand. The Juris Doctor (JD) is the most commonly undertaken law degree in the country and is considered to be the first degree in law in America.
