Becoming A Uk Law Student: A Comprehensive Guide

Becoming a lawyer in the UK is a challenging and competitive process that requires dedication and hard work. It involves several stages, including gaining the necessary qualifications, choosing a specialisation, and completing practical training. Here's a step-by-step guide to help aspiring law students in the UK navigate their journey towards becoming a lawyer:

Step 1: Gain the Necessary Qualifications

To pursue a career in law in the UK, individuals typically need to obtain a bachelor's degree in law, also known as an LLB (Bachelor of Laws). This degree provides a solid foundation in legal knowledge and skills and is recognised as a qualifying law degree. It is important to note that some universities may have specific entry requirements, such as A-levels or equivalent qualifications, and GCSEs in English and Maths with minimum grades.

Step 2: Choose Your Specialisation

The next step is to decide whether to become a solicitor or a barrister, as these are the two main specialisations in the UK legal profession. Solicitors typically work outside of court, providing legal advice and support to clients, while barristers specialise in representing clients in court. It is essential to understand the differences between these roles and choose the one that aligns with your interests and career goals.

Step 3: Complete Further Education

After obtaining an LLB, aspiring lawyers need to undertake further education specific to their chosen specialisation. For solicitors, this involves taking the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) and completing two years of qualifying legal work experience. For barristers, the path includes applying to an Inn of Court, taking the Bar Practice Course (BPC), and completing a one-year pupillage under the supervision of experienced barristers.

Step 4: Gain Practical Experience

Gaining practical experience is crucial for aspiring lawyers. This can be done through internships, clerkships, or other work placements during the summer or throughout the year. These opportunities provide valuable hands-on experience and help build a strong resume for future job applications.

Step 5: Apply for Certification

Once individuals have completed their education and gained practical experience, they can apply for certification to practice law in the UK. The specific process may vary depending on the specialisation and region within the UK (e.g., England, Wales, Scotland).

Step 6: Secure a Job

The final step is to apply for jobs and begin their career as a lawyer. It is important to stay patient and persistent during the job search, as the legal profession is highly competitive. Networking and building connections within the legal industry can also be beneficial for finding job opportunities.

A-levels and GCSEs

To get into law school, you will need at least three A-levels with high grades. The top universities with the most competitive courses will likely require three A or A* grades, although entry requirements vary by institution. There are no specific A-levels needed for law, but your course director may advise you to take subjects such as government and politics, geography, history, and economics. A-level law is not required but can give you an idea of the subject. A Law Foundation is an alternative route to studying law. These are generally one-year pre-university programmes, primarily for international students, that prepare them for the rigours of a UK law degree.

Some universities specify required GCSE grades in English, maths, and sometimes history or a foreign language, with a minimum of grade B or C or level 4.

Undergraduate law degree

In the UK, an undergraduate law degree is known as an LLB. This is the first stage of training if you want to become a lawyer. It teaches the seven 'Foundations of Legal Knowledge' and develops the knowledge, analytical and practical skills needed for a career in law. The seven core modules include contract law, criminal law, constitutional law, administrative law, EU law, land law, and equity and trusts.

The LLB can be studied in several forms: as a three-year, full-time law degree; as a two-year graduate course; or as a part-time degree over four to six years.

Alternatively, students can choose to take a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Law or an undergraduate degree in another subject. These students will then need to complete a one-year Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) conversion course before they can apply for the Legal Practice Course (LPC). While this route can take longer, it may suit students who are more interested in the academic side of law or who are considering a career in journalism, politics, or business.

The LLB focuses exclusively on law, whereas a BA in Law includes modules in law and other subjects like history or business. BA Law students often study for joint honours, for example, they can study Law with German, or Law with Criminology.

It's important to note that any student beginning a degree from September 2021 onwards will study for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), which will effectively replace the LPC (and Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). Those who had already started a Law degree, GDL, or LPC before September 2021 will be able to qualify via the traditional route until 2032.

To gain entry to an undergraduate law degree in the UK, you will typically need three A-levels with high grades. The top universities with the most competitive courses will likely require three A or A* grades, although entry requirements vary by institution. There are no specific A-levels needed for Law, but recommended subjects include Government and Politics, Geography, History, and Economics. A-level Law is not required but can be useful.

A Law Foundation is an alternative route to studying law. Law Foundations are generally one-year pre-university programmes, primarily for international students, that prepare them for the rigours of a UK law degree.

The University Route to Becoming a Solicitor

Becoming a solicitor via the university route requires you to complete a qualifying law degree (LLB) before taking the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). Those who studied an unrelated subject at the undergraduate level may find it helpful to embark on a law conversion course and/or an SQE preparation course before sitting the SQE exams.

The next step is to complete two years of qualifying legal work experience, which can take the form of a training contract, before passing the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) character and suitability requirements. You can then apply for admission to the roll of solicitors.

The University Route to Becoming a Barrister

To become a barrister in England and Wales, you need to complete at least three stages or components of training: an academic component (law degree), a vocational component (a Bar course), and a work-based learning component (pupillage).

After completing all training components, you'll be ready to apply for tenancy as a self-employed barrister in chambers or go into practice as an employed barrister.

Postgraduate Diploma in Law

The Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) is a conversion course for non-law graduates who want to become solicitors or barristers. The course condenses three years of undergraduate study into one year of intensive study. It is recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Bar Standards Board (BSB) as a qualifying law degree.

The PGDL provides a foundation of legal knowledge and skills required for your legal training. It covers the seven core modules of a law degree:

• Legal and Professional Environment (including EU law)
• Constitutional and Administrative Law
• Contract Law
• Criminal Law
• Equity and Trusts
• Land Law
• Tort Law

In addition to these foundational subjects, you will also have the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships, mooting, and pro bono work.

The PGDL can be studied full-time or part-time. Full-time courses are usually one academic year, while part-time courses are typically completed within two academic years.

Entry requirements for the PGDL include a minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree and one academic or vocational reference. Some institutions may also require an IELTS academic test grade of 6.5 or equivalent for students whose first language is not English.

Upon completion of the PGDL, you will be qualified to progress to the vocational stage of training for barristers or solicitors. For barristers, this involves a one-year pupillage, while for solicitors, it involves a two-year training contract.

The PGDL is offered by many institutions in the UK, including:

• Nottingham Trent University
• Queen Mary University of London
• Birmingham City University
• BPP University
• Leeds Beckett University
• London South Bank University

Work experience

• Informal work experience: Before applying to university, consider organising informal work experience with high street legal firms or solicitors. This could involve work shadowing and carrying out general office duties for a few weeks. Such placements demonstrate your initiative and interest in law when applying for a law degree.
• Vacation schemes: During your undergraduate studies, apply for vacation schemes at law firms. These schemes provide valuable experience and insights into the day-to-day work of lawyers.
• Formal work placements: Apply for formal work placements, such as mini-pupillages in barristers' chambers. These placements offer a more structured and in-depth experience within a legal setting.
• Pro bono work: Undertake pro bono work, where you provide legal advice and representation to individuals or organisations on a voluntary basis. This demonstrates your commitment to social justice and community service.
• Court marshalling: Spend a few days sitting with a judge during court proceedings. This experience offers a unique perspective on the legal system and courtroom dynamics.
• University law or debating society: Get involved with your university's law society or debating club. These extracurricular activities develop important skills such as public speaking, research, and analytical thinking.
• Online platforms: Explore online platforms like Forage, which offers valuable virtual work experience and provides a certificate of completion recognised by many law firms.
• Citizens Advice: Working with Citizens Advice can help you develop soft skills and provide experience in assisting individuals with legal issues.
• Summer internships: During your undergraduate studies, seek summer internships with law firms, legal departments, or organisations related to your interests, such as the government or non-profit sector. These internships provide practical skills and networking opportunities.
• Clerkships: In your final year of university, aim for a clerkship position, which often leads to full-time job offers upon graduation.
• Training contracts: After completing your degree, gain practical experience through a training contract with a law firm. This typically involves spending two years working at a law firm under the supervision of experienced lawyers.

Gaining diverse work experience in the legal field is essential for aspiring law students in the UK. It not only enhances your understanding of the law but also helps build a competitive CV for law school and future career opportunities.

Qualifying exams

To become a lawyer in the UK, you'll need to complete a university degree and several years of training. It is an academically challenging profession and highly competitive.

To become a solicitor, you'll need to complete a qualifying law degree (LLB) before taking the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The SQE is designed to test your legal knowledge and practical legal skills. It is an eight-month postgraduate conversion course that replaced the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and the Legal Practice Course (LPC) in September 2021.

If you studied an unrelated subject at the undergraduate level, you may find it helpful to take a law conversion course and/or an SQE preparation course before sitting for the SQE exams. The GDL is a one-year conversion course for non-law students.

The next step is to complete two years of qualifying legal work experience, which can be in the form of a training contract. After this, you can apply for admission to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

To become a barrister, you'll need to complete the Bar Practice Course (BPC) or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), a vocational stage of training that prepares you for working as a barrister. After the BPC or BPTC, you'll need to complete a one-year pupillage, where you'll work in chambers under the supervision of experienced barristers. This forms the final part of your training before you are called to the bar.

Frequently asked questions