Law Study: A Must For Aspiring Solicitors?

If you want to become a solicitor, you'll need to commit to a lot of training and studying. While you don't necessarily have to study law, it's still one of the best routes into the profession. The traditional route to becoming a solicitor involves completing a law degree, followed by the Legal Practice Course (LPC). However, the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in September 2021 means that law degrees and law conversion courses are no longer a requirement to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. Now, aspiring solicitors need to pass the SQE and complete two years of qualifying work experience.

Do you need a law degree to become a solicitor?

You do not need a law degree to become a solicitor, but it is one of the best routes into the profession.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) introduced the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in September 2021, which created a new pathway for aspiring solicitors without a legal background. To qualify as a solicitor, you must pass parts 1 and 2 of the SQE, complete two years of qualifying work experience, and meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements.

While you can take the SQE without a law degree, you will need a degree in any subject and a thorough knowledge of the law to pass the exams. Most non-law graduates will therefore undertake a conversion course to acquire the necessary foundational legal knowledge.

If you have a law degree, you will need to complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC) before starting your two-year period of recognised training. The LPC helps you develop practical skills and legal knowledge and can be taken full-time for one year or part-time for two years.

If you do not have a law degree, you will need to complete a law conversion course such as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or an SQE preparation course before sitting the SQE exams. The SQE preparation courses are designed to help you pass the SQE assessments, which consist of closed-book multiple-choice questions and require a thorough knowledge of the law in England and Wales.

In addition to passing the SQE and completing the required work experience, you must meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements to be admitted as a solicitor. This includes an assessment of your personal history to ensure you meet the SRA's standards.

There are also alternative routes to becoming a solicitor, such as completing an apprenticeship or through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives. These routes may take longer but allow you to earn a salary while gaining on-the-job training and studying towards the SQE assessments.

What are the different routes to becoming a solicitor?

There are several routes to becoming a solicitor, and it can take around six years to qualify. The route you take depends on your current situation and qualifications. Here are the different paths you can take:

University route

One way to become a solicitor is through the university route. This involves completing a qualifying law degree (LLB) and then taking the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The SQE is a new system of qualification for solicitors in England and Wales, which will eventually replace traditional routes such as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and Legal Practice Course (LPC). It is important to note that there are transitional arrangements in place until 2032 for those who started their qualifications before September 2021 and wish to qualify via the traditional route.

After completing your degree and the SQE, you will need to gain two years of qualifying legal work experience. This can take the form of a training contract. Finally, you must pass the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) character and suitability requirements before applying for admission to the roll of solicitors.

Apprenticeship route

An alternative route to becoming a solicitor is through an apprenticeship. This is a work-based route where you can gain qualifications while being employed and earning a salary. There are different types of apprenticeships available, including:

• Solicitor Apprenticeship: This is a Level 7 programme aimed at A-level graduates, paralegals, and chartered legal executives. It usually takes around five to six years to complete and includes the completion of a law degree.
• Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeships: These are aimed at degree holders and take roughly two to three years to complete.
• Paralegal Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship: This can be a starting point before moving on to the solicitor degree apprenticeship route.
• Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) Level 6 Professional Diploma in Higher Law and Practice: This route allows you to work with a legal firm and gain on-the-job training.

Non-degree route

It is possible to become a solicitor without a degree, although this may take longer. The introduction of the SQE means that a law degree is no longer a requirement to qualify as a solicitor. However, you will still need to acquire foundational legal knowledge to pass the SQE assessments. You can do this through a conversion course or other preparation courses.

After completing the necessary preparation, you will need to pass the SQE assessments and gain two years of qualifying work experience. Finally, you must meet the character and suitability requirements set by the SRA.

What qualifications do you need to become a solicitor?

To become a solicitor in England and Wales, you must follow a specific set of steps and meet certain qualifications. Here is a detailed guide on the qualifications needed to pursue a career as a solicitor:

Undergraduate Degree

The first step towards becoming a solicitor is obtaining an undergraduate degree. While a law degree (LLB) is not mandatory, it is advantageous and provides a strong foundation for a career in law. If you choose to pursue a non-law degree, you will need to acquire foundational legal knowledge by completing a law conversion course, such as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or an MA Law (Conversion). This step ensures you have the necessary legal knowledge to proceed.

Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)

The SQE is the new system of qualification for solicitors in England and Wales. It consists of two parts: SQE1 and SQE2. SQE1 assesses your knowledge with multiple-choice questions, while SQE2 focuses on practical skills. To become a solicitor, you must pass both parts of the SQE. Preparation courses are available to help you succeed in these exams.

Qualifying Work Experience

In addition to passing the SQE, you need to gain practical experience. This is typically achieved through two years of qualifying work experience (QWE). This experience can be gained through a training contract with a law firm or other legal settings. The QWE allows you to apply your legal knowledge and develop essential skills for a career in law.

Character and Suitability Requirements

To become a solicitor, you must meet the character and suitability requirements set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). This assessment evaluates your personal history and ensures you meet the ethical standards of the profession. Cautions or criminal convictions may impact your eligibility for admission as a solicitor.

Additional Considerations

While the above steps are crucial, there are other qualifications and skills that can enhance your path to becoming a solicitor. Strong academic grades, including A-levels and GCSEs, are essential. Additionally, soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and analytical abilities are highly valued in the legal profession. Work experience and internships can also set you apart and demonstrate your commitment to a career in law.

What skills do you need to become a solicitor?

To become a solicitor, you must develop a wide range of skills. These skills are essential to performing the daily responsibilities of a solicitor and will help you excel in your work.

Soft Skills

Firstly, soft skills are crucial to a solicitor's success. A solicitor's work is rigorous and demanding, so soft skills such as intelligence and the ability to absorb and analyse complex material are vital. Examples of soft skills include:

• Analytical and logical skills: The ability to analyse information and draw conclusions is essential for a solicitor. This involves deepening your understanding and approaching situations with a dispassionate and questioning mindset.
• Communication and writing skills: Solicitors must be able to communicate complex information clearly and effectively to their clients. This includes both oral and written communication skills, such as speaking confidently and writing clearly and concisely.
• Attention to detail: Solicitors need to have excellent attention to detail to ensure accuracy in their work, especially when drafting legal documents and letters.

Hard Skills

In addition to soft skills, solicitors also need hard skills to succeed. These include:

• Legal knowledge: A thorough knowledge of the law is essential for solicitors to provide accurate and effective legal advice to their clients. This knowledge is gained through training and constant updating.
• Ability to present in court: Solicitors must be able to represent their clients' interests in court confidently and persuasively. This involves public speaking skills and a presence in the courtroom.
• Commercial awareness: Understanding the business environment and current developments in all fields is crucial for solicitors. This allows them to advise their clients on opportunities and risks within their area of expertise.

Personal Attributes

Along with the skills mentioned above, solicitors also need to possess certain personal attributes to be successful. These include:

• Respect and the ability to listen: Solicitors should have the ability to build trusting relationships with their clients. This involves listening to their concerns and putting them at ease.
• Integrity: Solicitors must act with integrity and maintain high ethical standards in their work.
• Resilience and self-confidence: The legal profession can be challenging and high-pressure, so solicitors need to be resilient and confident in their abilities to cope with difficult situations.
• Initiative: Solicitors should be able to work independently and take initiative when needed. This involves thinking ahead and anticipating the consequences of their actions.

Overall, becoming a solicitor requires a diverse set of skills and attributes. By developing these skills and attributes, individuals can excel in their careers and provide the best possible service to their clients.

What work experience do you need to become a solicitor?

To become a solicitor, you will need to complete two years of qualifying work experience. This can take the form of a training contract.

There are several routes to gaining the necessary work experience. One option is to complete a Solicitor Apprenticeship, which is a six-year, Level 7 programme aimed at A-level graduates, paralegals and chartered legal executives. Graduate solicitor apprenticeships are also available, which follow the same format but are aimed at degree holders and take around two to three years to complete.

Alternatively, you can gain work experience by working in a legal firm and completing on-the-job training, such as the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) Level 6 Professional Diploma in Higher Law and Practice. This route will also require you to pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and meet the character and suitability requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

If you are still studying at school, you can organise informal work experience with high street legal firms. This could involve spending a couple of weeks work shadowing a solicitor and carrying out general office duties. Such placements can strengthen your application for a law degree.

During your studies, you can also apply for formal work placements, such as vacation schemes at law firms or mini-pupillages in barristers' chambers. Other ways to gain experience include undertaking pro bono work, court marshalling, and getting involved in your university's law or debating society.

Gaining work experience in different types of legal settings can help you stand out and demonstrate your commitment to becoming a solicitor.

Frequently asked questions