Becoming a solicitor in the United Kingdom is a process that combines rigorous education, practical training, and a commitment to upholding the law. The landscape for qualifying as a solicitor has evolved significantly in recent years, offering multiple pathways to accommodate diverse backgrounds and career aspirations. The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) serves as the primary route for qualification, supplementing traditional methods and introducing innovative alternatives such as apprenticeship programs.
Traditional Route: Law Degree, Legal Practice Course, and Training Contract
Historically, the pathway to becoming a solicitor involved completing a qualifying law degree (LLB), followed by the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and a two-year training contract with a law firm. This route remains available but has become less common with the introduction of the SQE.
-
Law Degree (LLB): Aspiring solicitors typically pursue a three-year undergraduate law degree, covering essential subjects such as contract law, criminal law, and constitutional law. While a 2:1 classification is often preferred by employers, candidates with a 2:2 may still find opportunities, especially if they can demonstrate mitigating circumstances or relevant experience.
-
Legal Practice Course (LPC): After obtaining a law degree, candidates enroll in the LPC, a one-year course that provides practical training in legal skills. However, with the advent of the SQE, the LPC is being phased out, and its last intake is scheduled for 2026. The SQE is now the primary assessment method for aspiring solicitors.
-
Training Contract: This is a two-year period of practical training within a law firm, during which trainees rotate through different legal departments to gain comprehensive experience. Securing a training contract has become increasingly competitive, with vacation schemes also becoming competitive, with many firms now considering candidates who have completed the SQE route instead.
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) Route
Introduced in September 2021, the SQE aims to standardize the qualification process and offer flexibility for candidates from various backgrounds.
-
SQE1: This assessment tests candidates’ functioning legal knowledge through multiple-choice questions. It covers areas such as contract law, constitutional law, land law, and criminal law. Candidates must pass SQE1 before progressing to SQE2.
-
SQE2: SQE2 evaluates practical legal skills, including advocacy, legal research, and client interviewing. It consists of oral and written assessments that simulate real-life legal scenarios.
-
Qualifying Work Experience (QWE): In addition to passing the SQE assessments, candidates must complete two years (or equivalent) of QWE. This experience can be gained through various roles, including paralegals, legal assistants, or through placements during law school. The flexibility of QWE allows candidates to accumulate experience in different legal settings, enhancing their employability.
The SQE has opened up alternative pathways to qualification, such as the Solicitor Apprenticeship, which allows individuals to earn a salary while studying and working. This six-year program combines practical work experience with academic study, culminating in the SQE assessments. Applicants typically need to have completed six to eight GCSEs and three A-Levels (or equivalent) to be eligible.
Chartered Legal Executive (CILEx) Route
The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives offers a pathway for those who wish to specialize in a particular area of law and gradually transition into the role of a solicitor.
-
CILEx Level 6 Diploma: After completing a law degree, candidates can pursue the CILEx Level 6 Diploma, which focuses on specific legal areas and practical skills. This diploma is typically completed over one year full-time or two years part-time.
-
Qualifying Work Experience (QWE): Similar to the SQE route, candidates must complete two years of QWE. This experience can be accumulated during or after the CILEx studies.
-
Transition to Solicitor: Chartered Legal Executives can become solicitors by passing the SQE and meeting the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) character and suitability requirements. This pathway allows for specialization and a gradual transition into broader legal practice.
Solicitor Apprenticeships
For those seeking a ‘earn while you learn’ approach, solicitor apprenticeships offer a viable alternative. These programs combine practical work experience with academic study, leading to qualification as a solicitor without the need for a traditional law degree.
-
Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship: This six-year program allows apprentices to work full-time while studying part-time. The apprenticeship includes a combination of on-the-job training and academic learning, culminating in the SQE assessments. Applicants typically need to have completed six to eight GCSEs and three A-Levels (or equivalent) to be eligible.
-
Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeships (GSAs): These are shorter programs, lasting between 30 to 32 months, designed for law graduates or those who have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL). GSAs provide structured training and experience, preparing candidates for the SQE assessments and qualifying as solicitors.
Requalification for International Lawyers
For international lawyers seeking to practice in England and Wales, the SQE provides a pathway for requalification. Candidates must hold a legal professional qualification, meet degree or equivalent experience requirements, pass the SQE assessments, and satisfy the SRA’s character and suitability requirements.
Career Progression and Opportunities
Once qualified, solicitors have a wide range of career opportunities, including:
-
Private Practice: Working in law firms, specializing in areas such as corporate law, family law, or criminal law.
-
Public Sector: Solicitors can work in the public sector for government departments, local authorities, or agencies such as the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). They may focus on criminal law, administrative law, or public law matters, providing legal support to the government in policy development and implementation.
-
Charities and Non-Profits: Solicitors who wish to work for social causes may find opportunities in the charity sector, advising on issues like governance, compliance, and human rights law. Many charities also require legal support for contracts, disputes, and regulatory matters.
-
Judiciary: Experienced solicitors may progress to becoming judges in the lower courts, such as District Judges or Circuit Judges. To apply, solicitors need at least five to seven years of practice, depending on the level of the judicial position. From there, they can rise through the judicial ranks to become Senior Judges or even members of the Court of Appeal.
-
Academia and Legal Education: For those interested in shaping future generations of solicitors, academia offers another career path. Legal educators teach law at universities, colleges, or through professional training organizations. Many also conduct research and contribute to legal scholarship.
-
Barrister: Although solicitors and barristers traditionally have different roles, some solicitors choose to cross-qualify as barristers. This allows them to represent clients in court and practice independently. The transition involves completing the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) and gaining a tenancy in a set of barristers’ chambers.
-
Legal Technology and Innovation: The rise of legal technology has opened up new avenues for solicitors in areas such as legal project management, e-discovery, data privacy, and legal tech startups. Lawyers with an interest in technology and innovation can work in legal operations, helping firms and companies integrate technology to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
-
Specialization: As solicitors gain more experience, they often choose to specialize in a particular area of law. Specialization enables them to build a reputation in their field, attract higher-value clients, and advance within their firms or practice areas. Common specializations include family law, corporate law, intellectual property law, employment law, and environmental law.
In-House Counsel: Providing legal advice within a corporation, government department, or non-profit organization. In-house solicitors work closely with the business to manage legal risks and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. This role often offers a more predictable work-life balance compared to private practice.
-
Salary Expectations and Work-Life Balance
The salary of a solicitor in the UK varies based on experience, location, and area of practice.
-
Starting Salaries: For newly qualified (NQ) solicitors, salaries typically range from £25,000 to £40,000 per year, depending on the firm and region. Larger commercial firms in London often offer higher starting salaries, sometimes exceeding £70,000.
-
Experienced Solicitors: With several years of experience, solicitors can earn anywhere between £50,000 and £100,000 annually. Solicitors working in specialized areas such as corporate law, banking, and mergers and acquisitions may command even higher salaries.
-
Partners and Senior Solicitors: Partners in law firms or senior solicitors with extensive experience can earn significantly more, with salaries often reaching six figures. Senior solicitors or partners in prestigious firms in London or other major cities may earn upwards of £150,000 or more.
Work-life balance for solicitors varies widely. While private practice can sometimes involve long hours and high-pressure situations, solicitors working in-house or in the public sector often experience more manageable work hours. The rise of flexible working arrangements, including remote work and flexible hours, has made it easier for solicitors to balance their professional and personal lives, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Future of Solicitors in the UK
The legal profession in the UK is undergoing significant change, driven by evolving technologies, changes in client expectations, and shifting regulatory frameworks. The introduction of the SQE has already changed how aspiring solicitors qualify, making the process more accessible and standardized. This change is part of a broader trend towards increased flexibility in how solicitors can enter the profession.
Moreover, legal technology, including AI and automation tools, is expected to continue transforming the industry, impacting how solicitors deliver services. Technologies such as document automation, contract review, and predictive analytics can help solicitors streamline their work and focus more on strategic, value-added tasks.
As the legal landscape evolves, solicitors will need to adapt by acquiring new skills, particularly in areas like legal tech, compliance, and alternative dispute resolution. With opportunities expanding beyond traditional legal roles, solicitors who stay ahead of these trends and embrace change will continue to thrive in the profession.
Things to Know
Becoming a solicitor in the UK is a challenging yet rewarding process that offers a variety of pathways for those interested in pursuing a legal career. Whether you follow the traditional route through a law degree, LPC, and training contract or take advantage of newer qualifications like the SQE or solicitor apprenticeship programs, the key to success is a combination of academic achievement, practical experience, and personal commitment to the profession.
With the continued growth of alternative routes to qualification and new career opportunities within and outside the traditional legal sector, the future looks bright for aspiring solicitors who are flexible, adaptable, and passionate about law. As legal services evolve, solicitors will have the chance to shape the future of the profession, drive innovation, and make a meaningful impact on the legal system and society as a whole.
