Can I become a solicitor without a law degree UK?

Asked by: Adolfo Haag  |  Last update: July 12, 2022
Score: 4.6/5 (26 votes)

You may be wondering, “can I be a solicitor without a law degree?”. The answer is that you absolutely can. One of the main changes under the SQE system is that to qualify, solicitors do not need a law degree or equivalent.

How do I become a solicitor without a law degree?

You can become a lawyer without a law degree.

Once you have completed your undergraduate degree, you will need to complete a 1-year law conversion course known as a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)or Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), which is mainly exams-based.

What qualifications do solicitors need UK?

take an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification, in any subject. pass part 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)

Can you take LPC without law degree?

To take the LPC you must have studied an undergraduate law degree or have done the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) to convert an unrelated undergraduate degree.

Can you do the SQE without a law degree?

The SQE will apply to all aspiring solicitors, regardless of whether they have completed a qualifying law degree (such as the LLB or equivalent) or a non-law degree. This means that the road to becoming a solicitor will be the same for law and non-law students. All that is required is a degree (in any subject).

The Submission | Episode 3 - How to Become a Solicitor without a Law Degree

30 related questions found

How do I become a barrister without a law degree UK?

You don't need to have studied law to become a barrister – but it will mean an additional qualification if you did do a different subject. You will have to complete a conversion course or Graduate Diploma of Law (GDL) before you can complete the qualifications/stages outlined for law students.

How much do solicitors earn UK?

Salaries for newly-qualified lawyers across the rest of the UK are in the region of £27,000 to £60,000. As a newly qualified solicitor in Scotland, you can expect to be paid around £30,000 rising to £38,000, depending on your area of private practice or whether you're working in house.

How long does it take to become a solicitor UK?

If you study full time, it will take about five or six years to qualify as a solicitor. This includes a three-year law degree, the SQE assessments and two-years of qualifying legal work experience.

WHAT A levels do I need to be a solicitor?

at least five GCSEs at grade C or above, in English, Maths and sometimes a subject such as a foreign language. a minimum of two A levels, and three A levels at A grade for the most popular courses.

Can I become a solicitor at 40?

That being said, there are still plenty of opportunities available for those who are interested in becoming a solicitor over the age of 40. In fact, the Law Society estimates that around 7.9 per cent of those who qualified in 2011 were over the age of 40.

Is it better to do non law degree?

Your non-Law degree helps you to foster and develop a whole range of skills that are highly sought after in the legal industry. For example, if your degree demands you to do a lot of research to condense into an essay, this is a skill that you can highlight to be useful in a legal setting.

How much does a solicitor earn a year?

A newly qualified solicitor in a regional firm or smaller commercial practice may expect to earn around £25,000 to £40,000. Starting salaries for newly qualified solicitors in larger commercial firms and those in the City will be from £58,000 to £65,000, with the larger City firms paying £80,000 or more.

Is being a solicitor worth it?

The role of a solicitor is highly valued and respected in the UK, and it can also be highly rewarding by working to achieve a successful outcome for your client or community. Excellent career progression.

What is the starting salary for a solicitor?

Starting/newly qualified salaries at Osborne Clarke LLP – £41,500–47,000 depending on location/£60,500–80,500 depending on location. Starting/newly qualified salaries at RPC – £40,000 (London), £35,000 (Bristol)/£70,000 (London), £49,000 (Bristol).

How do I become a solicitor in 2021 UK?

What does qualifying look like for law graduates?
  1. study for a three year law degree (which includes SQE1 preparation)
  2. take SQE stage 1.
  3. take SQE stage 2.
  4. complete a two year period of qualifying legal work experience.
  5. satisfy the SRA's suitability and character requirements.
  6. qualify as a solicitor.

How much do trainee solicitors get paid?

Trainee Solicitor Salaries in London Area

The average salary for Trainee Solicitor is £41,436 per year in the London Area. The average additional cash compensation for a Trainee Solicitor in the London Area is £1,986, with a range from £539 - £7,322.

What is the difference between a lawyer and a solicitor?

A 'lawyer' is a generic term used to describe a person who is a Licensed Legal Practitioner and it is often used interchangeably with the term solicitor as they mean the same thing.

How much do junior solicitors earn UK?

An entry-level Junior Solicitor with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of £25,283 based on 5 salaries. An early career Junior Solicitor with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of £30,968 based on 15 salaries.

What GCSEs do I need to be a lawyer?

What GCSEs should I take to become a lawyer? To study law, you'll need at least five GCSEs (or equivalent Level 2 qualifications) at grade 4/C or above, including Maths, English Language and Science. Courses are competitive, so you should aim for the highest grades possible.

Which type of solicitor earns the most UK?

A simple rule of thumb is that corporate and commercial law fields pay well, personal service law fields pay not so well. Corporate and commercial solicitors can be earning £100k and upwards, personal service law fields (aka high street solicitors) earn up to around £50k in most cases.

How do I become a solicitor UK?

To become a solicitor in the UK, you normally start by studying for a degree. It can be in Law, or a different subject followed by a Law conversion course or graduate Law degree. After the degree, specific vocational qualifications and in-work training are then required to practise as a solicitor.

How hard is the Bar exam UK?

The Bar is competitive, but it is by no means impossible. Outside of London is probably infinitely easier than within. It's impossible to quantify how hard it is though, but just take it that loads and loads of really good people struggle intensely to get pupillage!

Can you do a law degree online?

Anyone can just buy a law degree online

Our programmes are delivered by Kaplan Open Learning, an experienced online learning provider – and our qualifications are awarded by the University of Essex, an award-winning university with a 50-year heritage of teaching and research excellence.

Are solicitors in demand UK?

A recent UK wide recruitment juggernaut has indicated that they are struggling to fill the job vacancies for many important professions. In particular, recruitment specialists, Indeed, have highlighted that solicitors are now amongst the most difficult jobs to fill in the UK.

What are the disadvantages of solicitors?

Cons
  • Solicitors can often struggle with balancing their work life with their home and family commitments. ...
  • The work completed by solicitors can be stressful, especially when clients impose pressing timeframes that they would like their work to be completed by. ...
  • Becoming a solicitor is an expensive process.