The legal profession in the UK offers a variety of routes. These include qualifying as a solicitor, a barrister or a chartered legal executive. There are multiple pathways which involve traditional academic routes and apprenticeships.
The UK has two types of lawyers. Solicitors typically work directly with clients, providing legal advice and handling cases. They often work in law firms and company legal departments. On the other hand, barristers primarily represent clients in court, provide expert legal opinions, and are usually instructed by solicitors. Traditionally, they work in chambers.
Routes to Becoming a Solicitor
The Traditional Academic Route:
Solicitors require any undergraduate degree with a 2:1 or above preferred. If their degree is not in law, then the Graduate Diploma in Law is needed. This usually takes one year to complete. A training contract with a law firm which involves taking the SQE is then a typical route. Aspiring solicitors then need to pass both SQE1 and SQE2, complete two years of qualifying work experience and pass a background check and suitability assessment. This is currently the most common route and replaced the LPC route in 2021.
The Apprenticeship Route:
Solicitor apprenticeships are available to school leavers, whereas graduate solicitor apprenticeships are available to university graduates. They usually take six years to complete and give students an opportunity to combine work with studying. They are sponsored by employers and include degree-level study and preparation for the SQE.
The Chartered Legal Executive Route:
The chartered legal executive route gives the opportunity to qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive. It allows for specialisation in specific areas of law and provides an alternative for those already working in legal environments. It can be more cost-effective than other routes to qualification.
Routes to Becoming a Barrister
The Traditional Academic Route
Aspiring barristers require any undergraduate degree with a 2:1 or above preferred. If their degree is not in law, then the Graduate Diploma in Law is needed. The Bar Practice Course is then taken, and then a pupillage which is a twelve-month training period. Aspiring barristers then receive a call to the Bar.
Barrister Apprenticeship:
The barrister apprenticeship is a newer option combining work and studying. It typically takes six years, involves degree-level qualification, leads to a call to the Bar and is sponsored by chambers or legal organisations. Competition is extremely strong as there are very few places available on these programmes.
The Academia Route:
Some lawyers combine practice with academia which could involve obtaining a PhD in law or working in legal teaching and research positions.
Costs:
The traditional university route typically entails £60,000+ in fees and living costs. Preparing and sitting SQE exams can cost between £15,000 to £25,000. Apprenticeships offer a more cost-effective alternative as they are funded by employers.
Work Experience:
Completing work experience is essential for all areas of law and can involve vacation schemes at law firms, mini pupillages at chambers, pro bono work, legal clinics and paralegal positions.
Specialisations:
- Commercial law
- Criminal law
- Family law
- Conveyancing
- Power of attorney
- Probate and trusts
- Personal injury
- Property law
- Employment law
- Intellectual property
- Human rights law
Advice for success:
Qualifying as a solicitor or a barrister can be extremely competitive so to maximise success there are a number of measures you can take. These involve ensuring grades are as high as possible, joining and participating in law societies. Also, asking for advice from lawyers and reading the news to stay up to date with recent legal developments is important.
This blog post only contains general guidelines. Check alongside other sources to ensure you have the most up-to-date information