Can you practice law with a GDL?

Asked by: Mr. Emmanuel Padberg  |  Last update: July 12, 2022
Score: 4.1/5 (47 votes)

GDLs equip you with all the knowledge delivered by an undergraduate Law degree, putting you on an equal footing with Law graduates. In fact, some legal firms favour those who have completed a GDL over Law graduates, recognising that these students have gained a broader skillset from their original degree.

Is the GDL better than a law degree?

You might consider the LLB if you want a less intensive academic experience and would like extra time to apply for vacation schemes and training contracts. The benefit of the GDL is its shorter timeframe - it enables you to complete the course in half the time and save considerably on costs.

Is a masters in law equivalent to GDL?

An LLM is a master's in law, designed for students who have already completed their LLB undergraduate law degree or their GDL course. It is, however, possible to earn a place on an LLM without having completed an LLB or a GDL, so long as you can demonstrate that you have significant legal knowledge.

Is it better to do a GDL?

The GDL is a good route if you want to actually enjoy your time at university by studying something that interests you academically such as history or English literature. You are more likely to be a happier person and get higher marks this way rather than studying an LLB just because you think it sounds better.

Can you be a barrister with a GDL?

What qualifications do I need in becoming a barrister? You must complete an undergraduate law degree, or an undergraduate degree followed by the GDL. You must also pass the BPTC as a postgraduate degree at law school.

What to know about the LAW Conversion Course (GDL) - Graduate Diploma into Law.

27 related questions found

Is GDL harder than LPC?

Star Member. Compared to the GDL, I found the LPC a lot easier as it's less theoretical and more practical so to score well you just need to focus on applying the law to the facts in front of you.

How do I become a lawyer after GDL?

To become a CLE, you must:
  1. Complete the one-year Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), or the Law Conversion Course after finishing university;
  2. Become an Associate Member of CILEx;
  3. Complete the CILEx Graduate Fast-Track Diploma, with takes between 9-15 months;
  4. Become a Graduate Member of CILEx;

Are you a lawyer after GDL?

The GDL is a one-year course which non-law graduates aiming for a career as a solicitor must take before doing the obligatory Legal Practice Course (LPC). In effect it 'converts' your non-law degree into a qualifying law degree – for that reason it is sometimes also known as the 'conversion course'.

Is the GDL being scrapped?

After September 2021, the GDL will cease as a qualification route and you'll need to take an SQE1 preparation course. For non-law graduates, qualifying under the new system may look something like this: study for a three-year non-law degree. take an SQE1 preparation course.

Can you convert GDL to LLB?

The University of Law (ULaw) is offering its Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) students the option to upgrade to a full law degree at no extra cost. The new course will allow GDL students the opportunity bag an LLB, by completing just three additional online modules.

Is GDL respected?

The GDL is a fantastic way to condense essential knowledge into a year of studying. It's a route towards becoming a solicitor or a barrister, but it doesn't command much respect in any other field.

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.

Can you do SQE without law degree?

Can you do the SQE without a law degree? 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.

Do law degrees expire?

Your law degree, GDL or LPC will not expire, but you should aim to maximise their shine by applying for training contracts from when you're first eligible to do so.

Is diploma in law useful?

This means that having a diploma in law makes you a good fit for this career. Arbitration is fast evolving as an alternative to traditional litigation. This means there are genuine opportunities for dispute resolution professionals with experience. So, there is no need to worry about job opportunities.

Can I convert my degree to law?

The GDL is specially designed as the conversion course into legal study. It is one of the pathways into practice for non-law graduates. If you have completed an undergraduate degree in a non-law field and want to study law at a postgraduate level you'll first need to complete this conversion course.

How intense is a GDL?

Essentially, you'll be condensing three years worth of LLB course content into just ten months, so yes, the conversion course is likely to be difficult! Passing it takes huge commitment and academic talent, so graduating with the qualification is a great achievement.

What can I do with a diploma in law?

Possible job titles related to law
  • Administrative lawyer.
  • Advocate.
  • Arbitrator.
  • Attorney.
  • Case manager.
  • Commercial rights manager.
  • Compliance officer.
  • Compliance specialist.

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.

Can I do LLM after GDL?

The GDL does not give you an LLB. The qualification is a Graduate Diploma in Law. However if you want to be a solicitor and go on to do the LPC, The College of Law now offers an LLM LPC, which is the regular LPC with a dissertation.

Can you do SQE after GDL?

From September 2021 onwards, all new non-law graduates must take the SQE to qualify as a solicitor – unless you have already commenced a GDL or you have a confirmed training contract.

Can you be a solicitor without the LPC?

The SQE has been introduced to replace the LPC/training contract route to becoming a solicitor. Instead of completing the LPC and a training contract after a law degree/conversion, students will have to pass the SQE and complete two years of qualifying work experience.

Is LPC or SQE better?

Whether you choose to take the LPC or SQE route is ultimately your decision as it is based on your personal circumstances. If you're a non-law graduate, the SQE route would be best for you as it's suitable for individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. It also allows you to take more varied work experience with QWE.

Is the SQE cheaper than the LPC?

So if you've reached this article, you'll perhaps know by now that the SQE is set to replace the GDL and LPC in autumn 2021. But what exactly are the differences between the two routes? The SQE is cheaper…

Are you a trainee solicitor if you do the SQE?

No. However, to be admitted as a solicitor, you will need a degree (in any subject) or equivalent, in addition to passing the SQE and meet our other requirements. Equivalent means a qualification equivalent to a bachelor's or master's degree, such as: a level 6 or 7 apprenticeship.