Gavin Howe
Becoming a lawyer in the UK is a challenging and competitive process that requires dedication, years of study, work experience, and ongoing professional development. The route to becoming a lawyer varies depending on the specific region within the UK and the type of legal professional one wishes to become. In England and Wales, the legal profession is divided into two main branches: solicitors and barristers, with each having its own distinct qualifications and career paths. Obtaining a university degree, completing vocational training, and gaining practical experience are typically essential steps in the journey towards becoming a qualified lawyer in the UK.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Degree | Any UK degree or equivalent |
| Exams | SQE1, SQE2 |
| Work Experience | Two years of full-time legal experience |
| SRA Requirements | Criminal record check, debt check, etc. |
| Barrister Training | Academic, Vocational, Work-Based Learning |
| Barrister Work Experience | One-year pupillage |
| Apprenticeships | Degree apprenticeship, Solicitor Apprenticeship |
| Alternative Routes | CILEx, GDL, LLM, LLB, BA/BSc, BPTC, QWE, LPC, LNAT, PGDL, QLTS |
| A-Levels | Three A-levels with high grades |
| GCSEs | English, Maths, Foreign Language |
| Undergraduate Law Degrees | LLB, BA/BSc |
| Law School | University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, UCL, King's College London, University of Glasgow, University of Edinburgh, Durham University, LSE |
What You'll Learn
Gain A-level qualifications or an equivalent Law Foundation
Gaining A-level qualifications or an equivalent Law Foundation
To become a lawyer in the UK, you must first obtain a
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Complete an undergraduate degree
To become a lawyer in the UK, you'll need to complete an undergraduate degree. This typically takes three years (or four years in Scotland). You can choose to study a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), a Bachelor of Arts (BA), or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Law.
The LLB, also known as the Qualifying Law Degree, is a dedicated law degree that 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 and administrative law, EU law, land law, and equity and trusts. The LLB can be studied full-time over three years, as a two-year graduate course, or part-time over four to six years.
Alternatively, you can choose to study a BA or BSc in Law, which will include modules in law and other subjects like history or business. A BA in Law is not a qualifying law degree, so you'll likely need to complete a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) conversion course before applying for the Legal Practice Course. This route can take longer but may suit students more interested in the academic side of law or those considering careers in journalism, politics, or business.
It's important to note that the route to becoming a lawyer in the UK is changing. From September 2021, the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) will replace the GDL and Legal Practice Course (LPC) for new entrants. The SQE consists of two stages: SQE1 tests candidates' ability to apply legal knowledge to address client problems and review legal transactions, while SQE2 tests practical legal skills such as case analysis, advocacy, interviewing, legal writing, drafting, and legal research.
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Do a Legal Practice Course (LPC)
The Legal Practice Course (LPC) is the final vocational stage of training to become a qualified solicitor in the UK. It is taken after the successful completion of a qualifying law degree or other recognised qualifications and is intended to bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing the practical skills needed for a career as a solicitor. The LPC can generally be studied either full time or part time.
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.
The SQE is split into two stages: SQE1 (tests candidates' ability to apply functioning legal knowledge to address clients' problems and review legal transactions) and SQE2 (tests the legal skills of case and matter analysis, advocacy, interviewing, legal writing, drafting and legal research).
Candidates who have completed the LPC may also qualify through the SQE by completing qualifying work experience and passing SQE2. They will be exempt from SQE1.
The SQE facilitates the development of flexible routes to qualification without compromising on the standard of legal, intellectual and practical skills expected from members of one of the world's most prestigious professions. It also promotes a more diverse profession which is not based around financial access to formal legal education.
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Complete any specialist training
To become a lawyer in the UK, you must complete specialist training. The specific training you need to take depends on whether you want to become a solicitor or a barrister.
Solicitor Specialisation
To become a solicitor, you must pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The SQE is split into two stages: SQE1 and SQE2. SQE1 tests your ability to apply functioning legal knowledge to address clients' problems and review legal transactions. SQE2 tests your legal skills in case and matter analysis, advocacy, interviewing, legal writing, drafting, and legal research.
Barrister Specialisation
To become a barrister, you must complete a Bar course, also known as a Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). This course covers the basics of professional practice, such as how to conduct client meetings and draft contracts. After completing the BPTC, you must complete a pupillage, which is a period of practical work experience under the supervision of an experienced barrister.
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Pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a centralised assessment for anyone who wants to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. It is a new route introduced in 2021 by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to replace the traditional, long and expensive route to becoming a solicitor. The SQE is divided into two parts: SQE1 and SQE2.
SQE1
SQE1 assesses your 'functioning legal knowledge' through multiple-choice questions based on realistic client scenarios. It covers subjects studied in a law degree or conversion course, as well as the vocational practice areas in stage 1 of the previous route to qualification, the Legal Practice Course (LPC). SQE1 is a computer-based exam with two papers of 180 questions each.
SQE2
SQE2 tests your practical legal skills, including interviewing, case and matter analysis, advocacy, legal writing, drafting and legal research. It consists of oral and written assessments.
Preparation
Preparation courses are available to help you pass the SQE exams. These courses cover topics such as legal research, writing and drafting, and include diagnostic assessments, video lectures, workbooks, self-practice activities, mock assessments and unlimited learning coach sessions.
Exemptions
Foreign-qualified lawyers may be eligible for exemptions from SQE2.
Cost
The total cost for taking both SQE assessments (from September 2024) is £4,790. SQE1 costs £1,888, and SQE2 costs £2,902. All fees are tax-exempt, and resits are subject to additional fees.
Other Requirements
To qualify as a solicitor through the SQE route, you will also need a degree in any subject or equivalent, two years of full-time qualifying work experience, and to pass the SRA's background checks and suitability requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
To become a lawyer in the UK, you will need to complete a qualifying law degree (LLB) and pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
A solicitor is a legal professional who works outside of court, providing legal advice directly to clients. They are usually employed by a law firm or organisation and are paid a salary. A barrister, on the other hand, is someone who defends or advocates for someone inside the court. They are specialists in certain legal areas and are usually self-employed.
It takes around six years to become a lawyer in the UK if you choose the LLB degree route. This includes three years for your law degree, one year for the SQE preparation course and exams, and two years of qualifying legal work experience.
