Anaya Nolan
If you want to practice law in the UK, you must study an undergraduate degree, which takes three years (or four years in Scotland). You can choose between an LLB, a BA, or a BSc. The LLB, or Bachelor of Laws, is a Qualifying Law Degree that teaches the seven 'Foundations of Legal Knowledge' and develops the knowledge, analytical and practical skills needed for a career in law. After graduating, you can take the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) to qualify as a solicitor. The SQE is divided into two parts: SQE1, which tests theoretical and practical knowledge, and SQE2, which assesses oral skills. Candidates may also need to complete two years of qualifying work experience (QWE) to become a solicitor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Examination | Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) |
| Examination type | Divided into two different assessments: SQE 1 and SQE 2 |
| Examination purpose | To test the theoretical and practical knowledge of the candidates |
| Examination subjects | Constitutional and Administrative Law, European Union Law, Solicitors accounts, ethics, and professional conduct |
| Examination provider | Kaplan, on behalf of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) |
| Examination frequency | Twice a year, in January and July |
| Examination cost | £4,564 |
| Examination preparation | Optional courses and resources are available |
| Examination alternatives | Candidates with a law degree can complete their qualification through the traditional route until 2032 |
| Work experience | Two years of qualifying work experience (QWE) at a maximum of four separate organisations |
| Education | Undergraduate degree (LLB or BA/BSc) or equivalent qualification |
| Language proficiency | IELTS: 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component |
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What You'll Learn
Take the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the new centralised way to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. It was introduced in 2021 and will eventually replace the Legal Practice Course (LPC) route to practice by the end of 2032. The SQE is open to both domestic and international students, allowing them to take the same exam and qualify as solicitors in England and Wales.
The SQE is divided into two centralised assessments: SQE1 and SQE2, which are conducted by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). These assessments are an essential requirement to qualify as a solicitor and can be booked directly with the SRA. While there is no specific SQE course, there are important topics that need to be studied to pass the assessments. Various institutions offer SQE preparation courses and resources to help students prepare for the assessments. These courses are designed to prepare students for their future careers as solicitors and cover topics such as theoretical and practical knowledge, ethics, and professional conduct.
The SQE1 exam, offered in January and July, tests candidates' theoretical and practical knowledge. It is divided into two assessments: the FLK 1 and FLK 2, which cover different areas of law, including constitutional, administrative, and European Union law, as well as solicitors' accounts. The SQE2 assessment involves written and oral tasks. The total cost of taking both SQE assessments up to September 2025 is £4,790, with SQE1 costing £1,888 and SQE2 costing £2,902. From September 2025 onwards, the total cost will increase to £4,908, with SQE1 costing £1,934.
In addition to passing the SQE assessments, candidates must also complete two years of qualifying work experience (QWE). This work experience can be gained anywhere in the world but must meet the SRA's requirements and be signed off by a solicitor from England and Wales. There is no minimum length of time for placements, and candidates can gain experience through summer work placements, work as a paralegal, or during their education as long as it is approved.
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Complete a two-year training contract at a law firm
To practice law in the UK, aspiring lawyers must complete a compulsory two-year training contract at a law firm. This period of recognised training is an opportunity for trainee solicitors to apply the skills they have learned during their academic studies in a practical setting. It is a full-time placement that can be likened to an apprenticeship, where trainees are supervised by senior solicitors.
During the two-year training contract, trainees will progress through at least three areas of work at the law firm, with the opportunity to experience up to eight different areas at some larger law firms. These areas are known as '
Some firms may require trainees to work in a particular department, while others will allow them to choose their preference. Trainees will be assigned a supervisor, who will answer any questions and provide tasks. Client secondments are also available, where trainees can build confidence by taking on their own projects and networking with clients.
To obtain a training contract, graduates must apply for a position at a law firm or in-house legal team. The application process varies between firms, but generally includes an online form detailing academic records, work experience, and skills, along with a personal statement and an academic reference. It is recommended to apply a year or two in advance of the training contract start date.
While completing the training contract, trainees will also need to pass the compulsory Professional Skills Course, which is paid for by the law firm. This course includes three core modules and 24 hours of elective training.
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Gain work experience to prepare for the SQE
To practice law in the UK, you must pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The SQE is a centralized assessment introduced in 2021 that replaced the Legal Practice Course (LPC) as the main route to qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales. The SQE is uniform for all aspirants, providing a level playing field. It is divided into two different assessments: SQE1 and SQE2. The first step is to clear the SQE 1, which is conducted twice a year, in January and July. SQE 1 tests the theoretical and practical knowledge of the candidates. It covers areas of law such as constitutional and administrative law, European Union law, and solicitors' accounts.
In addition to passing the SQE, candidates must also gain Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). QWE is a period of work experience that involves providing legal services. It can be gained in England, Wales, or overseas, and it does not need to cover English and Welsh law. Candidates can gain QWE through placements, working as a paralegal, or working in a law clinic. It can be completed at any point during the qualification process, but most students will complete it after SQE1. QWE must be signed off by a solicitor of England and Wales as meeting the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requirements.
There are several ways to gain QWE and prepare for the SQE. One option is to enroll in a QWE skills program, such as the one offered by SEQUENTUS, which gives you the skills needed to undertake meaningful QWE that meets the SRA's requirements. Another option is to study an LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) or MA Law (SQE1) at The University of Law, which includes four weeks of guaranteed QWE within their Legal Advice Clinics. The University of Law also offers an intelligent, free SQE Revision App to help prepare for SQE1. Additionally, BARBRI offers SQE Prep courses that provide a structured and supportive learning environment to help students succeed in the two SQE exams. These courses are online, flexible, and adaptable, using AI to schedule modules around students' available time.
It is important to note that QWE is not the same as a training contract. QWE does not involve deciding whether an individual is competent and suitable to practice. Competence is determined by passing the SQE assessments. However, QWE is a requirement for admission as a solicitor, and candidates will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate a range of competencies through the SQE assessment.
Overall, gaining work experience through QWE is a crucial step in preparing for the SQE and becoming a qualified solicitor in the UK.
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Choose a degree type: LLB, BA or BSc
If you want to pursue a law career in the UK, you need to study an undergraduate degree, which takes three years (or four years in Scotland). You can choose a LLB or BA/BSc, depending on your future plans or preferences for study.
The LLB is the Latin abbreviation of Legum Baccalaureus, also known as the Bachelor of Laws. It is a Qualifying Law Degree and is the first stage of training if you want to become a lawyer in the UK. It teaches the seven ‘Foundations of Legal Knowledge’ and develops the knowledge, analytical and practical skills you need for a career in law. The seven core modules include contract law, criminal law, constitutional & administrative law, EU law, land law and equity & trusts. The LLB can be studied in several forms: in the usual three-year, full-time law degree format; as a two-year graduate course; or as a part-time degree over four to six years. The University of London LLB is internationally regarded as the ‘gold standard’. You'll develop essential skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking and self-discipline, which are highly sought after by top law firms and employers worldwide.
The BA or BSc is equivalent to the LLB. If your career aspiration is to be a solicitor or barrister in the UK, this degree will prepare you in part for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE1) or Bar Practice Course (to qualify as a barrister). The transferable skills you will learn on your BA or BSc law degree will provide an excellent launch pad for careers in politics, business or journalism.
If you are an overseas student, in order to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales, you’ll need to hold a degree in any subject or an equivalent qualification (such as an apprenticeship) or work experience. From September 2021, lawyers from abroad and overseas students who wish to qualify in England and Wales can sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The SQE allows you to qualify as a solicitor by taking the same exam as domestic candidates.
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Take the Legal Practice Course (LPC)
The Legal Practice Course (LPC) is a postgraduate course and the final educational stage for becoming a solicitor in England, Wales, and Australia. It is a hands-on qualification that bridges the gap between academic study and training in a law firm, providing the practical skills needed for a career as a solicitor. The course is typically taken after a law degree, but some students take it after studying a different subject and completing a conversion course, such as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL/CPE).
The LPC can be studied full-time or part-time, and some institutions offer an accelerated course. The full-time course is one year long, while the part-time course takes two years to complete. Tuition fees range from £8,000 to £17,300 per year, and some students may have their fees and living expenses covered by future employers through a training contract. The course is generally intensive, with less holiday time than an undergraduate course, and a strong emphasis on classroom teaching and independent study.
The LPC curriculum can be broadly classified into three phases: "Core" compulsory modules, "Elective" modules, and practical skills. The compulsory modules include Criminal Litigation, Business Law and Practice, Property Law and Practice, and Civil Litigation. The elective modules allow students to specialise in their future career paths, with topics such as personal injury and family law. The practical skills component equips students with essential abilities such as advocacy, interviewing and advising, writing, drafting, and research.
It's important to note that the LPC route is being phased out and replaced by the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). Students who began their law degree before September 2021 can still qualify through the LPC route until 2032. However, from September 2021 onwards, the SQE is the primary route to becoming a solicitor in the UK.
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Frequently asked questions
To practice law in the UK, you need to study an undergraduate degree in law, which takes three years (or four years in Scotland). You can choose a LLB or BA/BSc, depending on your future plans or preferences for study.
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is the main examination that needs to be cleared by all those who want to practice law in the UK. The SQE is uniform for all aspirants and provides a level playing field. It is divided into two different assessments: SQE1 and SQE2.
First, you need to obtain a university law degree (LLB). Next, complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC), which is the vocational stage of training. Finally, complete a two-year training contract at a law firm before you are a qualified solicitor.
