Can you practice law in the UK without a degree?
Asked by: Brooke Cummerata | Last update: November 19, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (5 votes)
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. However, to pass the SQE assessments, a candidate will need a thorough knowledge of the law in England and Wales – which is where ULaw's conversion courses come in.
Is it illegal to practice law without a degree in the UK?
You don't need a degree to practice law as a Legal Executive. In fact, the only qualifications you need to get started as a Legal Executive are at least four good GCSEs (including English Language or Literature) or an equivalent qualification.
How can I become a lawyer in the UK without a degree?
You need to pass exams to qualify, first as a member and then as a fellow. You'll also need to be in a CILEx approved job in law. If you choose the CILEx route, you can take exams that let you complete the foundations of legal knowledge and vocational stages of qualifying as a solicitor.
Can you practice law in the UK with a US degree?
US law graduates may find employment opportunities in various sectors and practice areas within the UK legal market. International law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and non-profit organisations are among the potential employers.
What qualifications do you need to practice law in the UK?
take an undergraduate degree in any subject, or equivalent qualification, in any subject. pass parts 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)
How to become a lawyer in UK in 2025 | No Law Degree required (PART 1)
Can foreign lawyers practice in the UK?
From September 2021, lawyers from abroad and overseas students who wish to qualify in England and Wales can sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The SQE allows you to qualify as a solicitor by taking the same exam as domestic candidates.
Do you need a law degree in the UK?
Yes, you can become a lawyer in the UK without a law degree. Two main routes are available: Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE): After completing a degree in any subject, you can take the GDL or SQE to gain the legal knowledge needed to practice.
Can you go to law school in the UK as an American?
No matter what your grades we can find a route to Law school in the UK for you! Canadian and American students have the choice of studying a qualifying Law degree at a wide range of UK Universities immediately after high school or after they have completed an undergraduate degree.
How much do lawyers make in the UK?
Lawyer salaries in United Kingdom
The estimated total pay for a Lawyer is £69,439 per year, with an average salary of £60,970 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.
Is it hard to be a lawyer in the UK?
It involves dedication, years of study and work experience, and ongoing professional development. It's a highly respected profession and requires a varied skillset, from working alongside clients, public speaking, research and analytical skills to planning legal strategies and more.
What happens if you practice law without a degree?
If you're convicted of the crime of the unauthorized practice of law, you face a possible jail or prison sentence. A misdemeanor conviction can lead to a sentence of up to one year in a county jail, while felony sentences allow for a year or more in prison, though 5 years or more in prison is possible in some states.
Can you do a master's in law without a law degree UK?
Open to non-law graduates
You can achieve your LLM even without a prior degree, via our three possible entry points: the Postgraduate Certificate, the Postgraduate Diploma, and the LLM.
What is the difference between a barrister and a solicitor?
Barristers are specialists in advocacy, wearing wigs and gowns whilst representing clients in higher courts. Whilst solicitors handle day-to-day legal work, barristers are typically brought in for complex court proceedings and specialist opinions.
Do you need LSAT for UK law?
We do not require students to have taken the LSAT or LNAT. If you are unsure if your qualifications meet our entry requirements then please contact us at AHLadmissions@le.ac.uk.
Can anyone call themselves a lawyer in the UK?
Lawyer is a general term used to describe people who provide legal services. Unlike terms such as solicitor or barrister, lawyer has no defined meaning in UK law. Anyone can call themselves a lawyer, regardless of whether they have any professional legal qualifications or not.
Can I work in a law firm without a degree?
Individuals without law degrees who work in law-related careers generally either work as paralegals, legal assistants and legal secretaries, and/or in any of a number of positions in the criminal justice fields.
Do lawyers earn more in the UK or US?
At a glance. Trainees in London earn more than those working outside the capital. You'll earn less in smaller firms but will likely rise up the ladder quicker. USA based firms pay the highest trainee and newly-qualified salaries, followed by Magic Circle then City firms.
What type of lawyer is most in demand UK?
According to recent insights from the LexisNexis GLP Index, property, immigration, restructuring, and insolvency law are projected to experience the strongest demand growth in 2025. This mirrors the increasing demand across several core practice areas, each driven by unique economic and social factors.
In which country do lawyers earn the most?
The top countries which offer the highest average Lawyer's salary are the USA, Germany, Canada, the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Switzerland. The legal field presents numerous opportunities for skilled professionals to create significant impacts locally and globally.
Is UK law degree valid in USA?
United States:
To practice law in the U.S., you'll typically need to pass the state bar exam. However, with a UK law degree, you're well-equipped to tackle this challenge. The U.S. offers a diverse range of legal careers, from corporate law and intellectual property to entertainment law.
Does the UK have an LSAT?
In England, two locations offer the LSAT: the University of London Union and Ironmongers' Hall. The Unversity of Lond Union administers the test in June and Ironmongers' Hall administers the test in September/October, December, and February.
Is the UK or the US better for law?
However, studying law in the UK is often considered relatively straightforward. Undergraduate law degrees in the UK, such as the LLB, typically take three years to complete, which is shorter than the four-year programs in the US or longer combined undergraduate and graduate programs in some countries.
Can you practice law without a law degree UK?
You don't need a law degree to become a lawyer – in fact, the modern legal profession is full of non-law graduates. The skills and experiences you gain from studying and working in other fields are assets that can make you a stronger candidate.
Is law a hard degree in the UK?
Kieran's tips for students considering a law degree
A law degree is challenging. You will read complex cases, historic legal principles and plenty of academic commentary on subjects, so it is critical that you can extract relevant information and digest it properly.
How hard is the bar exam?
The bar exam is hard. In fact, it may be one of the most difficult challenges you ever embark on. You must memorize numerous laws and consume a lot of knowledge to answer questions correctly. For many, it feels like trying to hold sand in your hands, knowing that you'll inevitably lose much of it.