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Solicitor

Alternative titles for this job include Lawyer

Solicitors advise clients about the law and act on their behalf in legal matters.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£100,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 50 a week

You could work

on call at short notice

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a solicitor

You can get into this job through:

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

University

In order to qualify, you must:

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do a solicitor degree apprenticeship to qualify as a solicitor.

This route usually takes around 5 to 6 years and you'll need your employer's support to do it.

You'll also need to take the SQE, demonstrate relevant work experience and meet character and suitability to practice requirements.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

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

    • 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.

    More Information

    Career tips

    Competition for solicitor roles 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 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 routes to become a solicitor through:

    What it takes

    Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

    What it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need:

    • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
    • excellent verbal communication skills to work with different people
    • active listening skills
    • analytical thinking skills for working on complex cases
    • knowledge of English language for explaining legal matters to non-experts
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
    • excellent written communication skills
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

    Restrictions and Requirements

    You'll need to:

    What you’ll do

    Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

    What you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    In this role you could:

    • advise and represent clients in court
    • instruct barristers or advocates to act for clients
    • draft confidential letters, contracts and legal documents
    • research legal records and case law
    • attend meetings and negotiations
    • manage finances and prepare papers for court
    • use plain English to explain complex legal matters to clients
    • keep up to date with changes in the law

    Working environment

    You could work in an office, in a court, in a prison or at a police station.

    Career path and progression

    Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

    Career path and progression

    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 could use your legal training in the armed forces. You can find out more information at:

    Current opportunities

    Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

    Current opportunities

    Apprenticeships In England

    Solicitor Apprenticeship 2023

    • Wage: £24,000.00 Annually
    • Location: 70 Kingsway, London
    Find apprenticeships near you

    Courses In England

    CILEX L3 Certificate in Law and Practice

    • Provider: CITY COLLEGE PLYMOUTH
    • Start date: 26 October 2022
    • Location: PLYMOUTH

    CILEX L2 Certificate in Legal Studies

    • Provider: CITY COLLEGE PLYMOUTH
    • Start date: 25 October 2022
    • Location: PLYMOUTH
    Find courses near you

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