Qualifications

To be accepted for a law degree, you’ll usually need:

• at least five GCSEs at grade C or above, in English, Maths and sometimes a subject such as a foreign language

• a minimum of two A levels, and three A levels at A grade for the most popular courses

You do not usually need to have taken A level law to do a law degree, although a few universities have specific subject requirements. You should research and compare courses to see what universities are looking for.

Useful Links

https://www.thelawyerportal.com/free-guides/what-is-a-solicitor/

https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/career-advice/becoming-a-solicitor

https://www.lawcareers.net/Solicitors

https://www.thelawyerportal.com/free-guides/difference-between-solicitor-and-barrister/

Taken from : https://www.thelawyerportal.com/free-guides/what-is-a-solicitor/how-to-become-a-solicitor/ prospects 2023

1. Complete a qualifying law degree / or have a degree in any subject or an equivalent qualification or experience. 

2. SQE 

The way solicitors qualify in England and Wales has changed recently. You will now need to complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in order to qualify. https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/law-sector/solicitors-qualifying-examination-sqe

To qualify through the SQE, you need to:

• have a degree in any subject or an equivalent qualification or experience

• pass both stages of the SQE assessment - the SQE1, which focuses on functioning legal knowledge, and the SQE2, which concentrates on practical legal skills

• complete two years full time (or equivalent part time) of qualifying work experience (QWE)

• meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements.

The SQE provides a flexible approach to qualifying as a solicitor. As long as you pass the SQE1 before you take the SQE2, you can prepare for the assessments and complete your QWE in a way that suits your needs and circumstances.

It's up to you to decide how you prepare for the SQE assessments. Some universities (but not all) integrate preparation for the SQE1 assessments into their undergraduate or Masters law programmes. Other training providers offer SQE1 preparation courses, aimed at both law and non-law graduates. Many education and training providers also offer courses that are designed to help you prepare for the SQE2. Courses can be online or face-to-face and either full or part time.

Search the list of SQE training providers.

Assessment topics : https://sqe.sra.org.uk/about-sqe/what-is-the-sqe/assessment-topics

Costs/ fees : https://sqe.sra.org.uk/about-sqe/costs-and-fees

Although not a mandatory requirement to qualifying as a solicitor, you might also want to consider an LLM. This Masters qualification allows you to explore a particular area of law in more depth.

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/law-sector/llm-degrees

3. Period of Recognised Training (2 years)

This is what is commonly known as a training contract. This involves two years of full time work experience at a law firm, where you undertake several seats in different departments. Some of the larger firms will start the recruitment process as early as the second year of university so it’s important that you start thinking about your options early in the process.

Here, you’ll get on-the-job training and will begin to understand what it’s truly like to be a solicitor. You’ll also have to take additional compulsory training, making sure that your professional skills are up to scratch by the time you qualify.

Under the SQE, you will need to complete two years full time (or equivalent part time) of qualifying work experience (QWE) to qualify as a solicitor.

This experience must be in a real-life (rather than simulated) role providing legal services that gives you the opportunity to develop the competences needed to be a solicitor. You can do the experience in England, Wales or overseas.

You can get this experience in one block or in stages, with up to a maximum of four organisations.

QWE can be voluntary or paid and can include activities such as:

• a placement during a sandwich degree

• voluntary work in a student law clinic

• work for a voluntary or charitable organisation such as Citizens Advice or a law centre

• work as a paralegal

• a training contract with a law firm. Search for law training contracts.

For example, you could complete a two-year training contract at one law firm or, alternatively, carry out six months of pro bono work at your university law clinic and then work as a paralegal for 18 months.

You can gain QWE either before, during or after you sit the SQE assessments. You can also use relevant experience from previous roles. QWE must be completed, however, by the time you apply for admission to the roll of solicitors.

4. Qualification as a solicitor

Once you have completed all relevant training, you must apply to the SRA for admission to the roll, which is the register of solicitors in England and Wales. When this has been approved, you are now certified as a solicitor!

Overall, this process will take a minimum of six years.

Apprenticeships - Useful Links

https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/career-advice/becoming-a-solicitor/qualifying-without-a-degree/apprenticeships

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/law-sector/law-apprenticeships

https://www.lawcareers.net/Starting-Out/Law-Apprenticeships-Guide

https://www.thelawyerportal.com/free-guides/legal-apprenticeships/

https://www.lawcareers.net/Explore/Features/04022020-A-guide-to-law-apprenticeships

https://www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/legal-and-law

https://www.sra.org.uk/become-solicitor/