How to Become a Lawyer in the UK?
Contents
Have you ever imagined standing in a courtroom, defending justice, or helping businesses navigate complex legal systems? Becoming a lawyer in the UK is a prestigious and rewarding career path, but how do you get there? Whether you're a high school student considering your future, an international student exploring the UK’s legal education, or simply curious, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about qualifying as a lawyer in the UK.
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Lawyer in the UK
Here’s a step-by-step guide to becoming a lawyer in the UK:
1. Decide Your Legal Career Path
- Solicitor: Handles legal matters, offers advice, and represents clients outside of court.
- Barrister: Represents clients in court and specializes in advocacy and litigation.
2. Complete Academic Requirements
- Earn a Law Degree (LLB) or complete a non-law degree followed by a conversion course like the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).
- International students must check equivalency for their qualifications.
3. Pass the Required Exams
- Solicitors: Complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), introduced in 2021, replacing the traditional Legal Practice Course (LPC).
- Barristers: Pass the Bar Training Course (BTC), which replaced the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC).
4. Gain Work Experience
- Solicitors: Complete two years of qualifying work experience (QWE) under the SQE regime, which is more flexible than the old training contract system.
- Barristers: Secure a pupillage at a chambers or legal organization.
5. Get Licensed
- Apply for admission to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) or the Bar Standards Board (BSB) to practice law.
Takeaways:
- Develop a clear view on whether you want to become a solicitor or a barrister, as the path towards qualification differs greatly between these two.
- If you want to become a solicitor, decide whether you wish to go through the traditional training contract route or the newer, more flexible SQE route.
- Decide whether you want to study law at the undergraduate level, or study something else first and then get a law degree later. There are benefits to both approaches. Think carefully which approach suits your career objectives best.
| LPC Route | SQE Route | |
|---|---|---|
| Exams | LPC | SQE 1 and SQE 2 |
| Work Experience | Training Contract | Flexible QWE (e.g., placements, paralegal work) |
| Flexibility | Limited | High |
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Law School Application
If you would like to puruse law at the undergraduate level, you need to declare your interest during the UCAS application process, just like other undergraduate programmes. However, there are a few additional considerations that you need to bear in mind.
1. Choosing a Law School
When applying to law schools in the UK, research programmes to find the right fit for you. You can refer to general rankings like the “Top 10 Best Universities for Law in the UK” for guidance, as well as specific rankings for your area of interest, such as international law or environmental law.
When you're choosing a law school, also take factors like tuition fees, geographical locations, and graduate prospects into account. For a the most updated breakdown of costs at UK law schools, consult guides like "How much does law school cost in 2025."
For a full list of considerations to take into account, refer to the list How to Choose a Law School in this separate article.
2. Entry Requirements
For UK law schools, most require applicants to take at least three A-Levels. Althought it would help, you don't need to take A-Level Law to apply for law programmes in university. Common A-Level subjects include: History, English, and Politics. For a more comprehensive list, refer to "What A-Levels Do You Need to Study Law?"
For international students, equivalent qualifications may be accepted. Students who would like to increase their chances of being accepted into their chosen law programmes can seek help from A-Level Law Tutors.
3. Taking the LNAT
University admissions tests are not common, but the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) is required by some universities for their law programmes, such as Oxford and UCL. It tests:
- Critical thinking
- Reading comprehension
- Essay-writing skills
Tips for Success:
- Use resources like Online LNAT Tutors for tailored guidance.
- Practice with sample questions and time yourself.
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Bar Exam & Qualification
For Solicitors
The SQE is divided into:
- SQE1: Legal knowledge test.
- SQE2: Practical legal skills test.
The cost is approximately £3,980 for both exams. However, many law firms do reimburse their trainees upon completion of their SQE. Therefore, it is always a good idea to try to secure a training contract before you start the SQE exams.
For Barristers
- Complete the Bar Training Course (BTC), covering advocacy and case preparation.
- Pupillage is required after passing.
Gaining Work Experience
Work experience is vital for becoming a lawyer in the UK. Here are the key routes:
For Solicitors
- Qualifying Work Experience (QWE): Includes internships, volunteer work, or roles as a paralegal. Flexibility under the SQE regime means students can accumulate experience in multiple organizations, including law firms, government, or even pro bono law clinics.
For Barristers
- Mini-Pupillage: Short-term placements to gain insight into the profession.
- Full Pupillage: Typically a year-long, split into training and practical stages.
| Route | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| QWE | Practical solicitor experience | Flexible, up to 2 years |
| Mini-Pupillage | Insights into barrister work | 1-2 weeks |
| Full Pupillage | Barrister qualification | Up to 12 months |
Conclusion
Becoming a lawyer in the UK requires careful planning, commitment, and meeting key milestones. Whether pursuing the path of a solicitor or a barrister, resources like "How to Get Into Law School: A Complete Guide" can support your journey. By understanding the qualifications, costs, and practical experiences involved, you can confidently embark on this exciting career path. Good luck!
FAQ
What is the difference between a solicitor and a barrister?
Solicitors and barristers are both legal professionals in the UK but have distinct roles. Solicitors provide legal advice, draft documents, and represent clients in non-court matters such as contract negotiations, family law cases, or corporate deals. They are usually the first point of contact for clients and often work within law firms or in-house for companies. Barristers, on the other hand, specialize in courtroom advocacy and litigation. They represent clients in higher courts, present legal arguments, and cross-examine witnesses. Barristers typically work independently, practicing from chambers. While solicitors can represent clients in lower courts, they often brief barristers for complex cases requiring specialist advocacy skills. Under the “dual qualification” pathway, some professionals qualify as both, offering versatility in their careers. Choosing between the two depends on whether you prefer client interaction or courtroom work.
Can I switch from being a solicitor to a barrister, or vice versa?
Yes, it’s possible to switch between being a solicitor and a barrister, though it involves additional training and meeting specific requirements. Solicitors who wish to become barristers must complete the Bar Transfer Test (BTT) to demonstrate competency in advocacy and other specialized barrister skills. They may also need to undertake pupillage if they lack equivalent experience. Barristers wanting to transition to solicitors must meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority's (SRA) requirements, including passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or demonstrating sufficient equivalent legal experience. Some professionals pursue dual qualification, which enhances career opportunities by allowing them to handle both client-facing and courtroom roles. This flexibility is particularly valuable in fields like family law or criminal law, where both skills are often required. However, transitioning takes time, effort, and a clear career plan.
Do I need to study law at university to become a lawyer in the UK?
No, you do not need to study law at university to become a lawyer in the UK. If you have a degree in another subject, you can take a conversion course, such as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL). These programs provide non-law graduates with the foundational legal knowledge required to proceed to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or Bar Training Course (BTC). This route is common among individuals who decide to pursue law after completing their undergraduate degree in subjects like politics, history, or even STEM fields. The conversion course is intensive but allows for a seamless transition into legal training. Whether you pursue a law or non-law degree, demonstrating commitment to the profession through work experience and extracurricular activities is crucial for career progression.
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Written by: Vicky Liu
Vicky has an undergraduate degree from The University of Hong Kong and a Masters from University College London, and has a background in legal and educational writing.
