Environment

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• the traditional solicitor qualifying route until 2032

University

To qualify as a solicitor, you must:

• take an undergraduate degree in any subject, or equivalent qualification, in any subject
• pass parts 1 and 2 of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE)
• complete 2 years (or equivalent if part-time) qualifying work experience
• meet the character and suitability requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

Though your degree does not have to be in law, you will need some legal knowledge to pass the SQE.

To study law at some universities you'll need to pass the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT).

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 3 A levels or equivalent

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Solicitor Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship to start on the path to qualifying as a solicitor.

This route includes the completion of a law degree and usually takes around 5 to 6 years. You'll need your employer's support to join it.

You'll also need to pass the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), which has 2 parts, and do 2 years' qualifying work experience.

The apprenticeship will prepare you for the SQE exams.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
• 3 A levels or equivalent

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• higher and degree apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships

Work

You could start with a legal firm and do on-the-job training like the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) Level 6 Professional Diploma in Higher Law and Practice.

You would then need to:

• pass parts 1 and 2 of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE)
• show you have 2 years of qualifying work experience, or equivalent, if part time
• meet the character and suitability requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

Another option is to complete a Paralegal Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship then move on to the solicitor degree apprenticeship route.

Other routes

If you started a qualifying law degree, Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or Legal Practice Course (LPC) before 2021, you will be able to continue to qualify as a solicitor by the traditional route until 2032.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

More information

Career tips

Competition for solicitor roles is strong so you need to show that you have consistently good grades as you progress through your education.

Getting work experience in different types of legal settings can help you to stand out and show your commitment. There are diversity work experience schemes to encourage under-represented groups into the legal profession.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join The Law Society for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about the training routes to become a solicitor through:LawCAB; The Law Society; Law Careers.Net; All About Law

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you could become a partner in a private practice firm of solicitors. As a commercial solicitor, you could manage an in-house legal department.

You might also wish to specialise in a particular area of law.

Examples include:employment; criminal justice; corporate; family

You could use your legal training to work as a legal officer in the armed forces. You can find more information at:Army; Royal Air Force

How to become a solicitor from the Good University Guide

The Beginner’s Guide to a Career in Law looks at how lawyers recruit, what they look for in candidates, what candidates need to do when, and how they can maximise their chances, both immediately and as time goes by.

The Law Apprenticeships Guide focuses on the different types of law apprenticeship available, the key skills required, and the pros and cons of undertaking an apprenticeship or going to university, with case studies from those who have done it.