How to become a solicitor
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
In order to qualify, you could:
- do a law degree, then complete the postgraduate Legal Practice Course
- do a non-law degree followed by the Common Professional Examination or Graduate Diploma in Law
To get into some universities you'll need to pass the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT).
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 3 A levels or equivalent
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
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Apprenticeship
You could do a solicitor degree apprenticeship to qualify as a solicitor.
This route usually takes around 5 years and you'll need your employer's support to do it.
Entry requirements
To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
- 3 A levels or equivalent
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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 complete a period of further training to qualify as a solicitor.
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Career tips
Competition for training contracts is tough so you need to show that you have consistently good grades as you progress through your education.
Getting work experience in different types of settings can help you to stand out and show your commitment. There are work experience schemes to encourage people from black and minority ethnic communities, women and people with disabilities 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 becoming a solicitor through The Law Society, Law Careers.Net and All About Law.