Solicitors: Education, Training, and Work Roles

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What is the first step in the current education and training route for solicitors?

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Study for a Qualifying Law degree, which includes exams in Legal Foundations, Contract, Tort, Public, Criminal, Trust & Equity, and E.U law.

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What is the alternative route for non-law degree holders to become solicitors?

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Take a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), a conversion course following a first degree.

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What is the Legal Practice Course (LPC)?

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A one-year full-time course that is part of the solicitor training route.

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What is a training contract in the solicitor's training route?

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A fixed two-year work placement in a solicitor’s firm, after which you become a qualified solicitor.

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What major change was introduced in the solicitor training route in 2021?

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The traditional GDL and LPC route was replaced by the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), an independent assessment.

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What are the requirements of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)?

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Passing two parts of the assessment to prove character and suitability.

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How has the training contract changed with the introduction of the SQE?

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You can work at 4 different solicitor firms to gain the required two-year work experience.

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What counts towards the SQE’s work experience requirements?

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Formal training contracts, working as a paralegal, placements as part of a sandwich degree, or volunteering in a student law clinic or with Citizens Advice.

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What are the two main environments where solicitors can work?

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Private firms or employed practice.

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What are some roles of solicitors in private firms?

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Giving legal advice, drafting documents, administrative work, litigation, commercial work, and advocacy.