Do solicitors need a law degree?

Asked by: Prof. Alessandro Hammes  |  Last update: June 24, 2022
Score: 4.5/5 (57 votes)

Many would-be solicitors study a qualifying law degree (LLB) first at undergraduate level, however this is not essential in order to train as a solicitor. Non-law graduates need to complete the law conversion course (GDL), a one-year full-time course, after graduating from an undergraduate degree.

Can I become a solicitor without a law degree UK?

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.

How do I become a solicitor in Australia?

How to become a solicitor
  1. completion of an approved law degree.
  2. completion of an approved practical legal training course or a supervised traineeship.
  3. application for admission to Roll of Lawyers.
  4. application for a practising certificate.

What qualifications do you need to become a lawyer UK?

In summary:
  • Three-year undergraduate degree (+ 1 year GDL conversion course if required)
  • One-year Legal Practice Course (LPC)
  • Two-year Professional Skills Course.
  • Two-year law training contract in a law firm.

How long does it take to become a solicitor in the UK?

It usually takes at least six years to qualify as a solicitor if you study law full time. It will be longer if you study a different subject for your degree and decide later you want to follow a legal career.

Solicitor or Barrister: Which One Should You Choose? (Salary, Hours, Employers, Work Experience)

26 related questions found

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.

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.

Is a solicitor a lawyer?

A solicitor is a type of lawyer that provides expert, tailored legal advice for clients, often from the earliest stages of a potential case.

What GCSEs do u 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.

What do I need to be a solicitor?

How to Become a Solicitor Step-by-Step
  • Complete a qualifying law degree or GDL. Route One: Obtain an LLB law degree recognised by the Solicitor's Regulation Authority (SRA). ...
  • Legal Practice course (LPC) ...
  • Period of Recognised Training (2 years) ...
  • Qualification as a solicitor.

Is a solicitor higher than a lawyer?

But when we see 'lawyer' being used, it's likely going to be referring to someone who can practise the law – usually a solicitor or barrister. These are two different types of lawyers, who have had different training and experience. There is no hierarchy, with neither solicitors nor barristers acting as more senior.

Is it hard to become a solicitor in Australia?

To become a Lawyer in Australia, it usually takes several years of education and practical experience. This includes an approved degree and supervised training. Requirements may vary between states and territories.

Do solicitors need to pass the bar?

Lawyers in every common law province are qualified as both barristers and solicitors, and must pass a Barristers' Examination and Solicitors' Examination administered by the Law Society that governs the legal profession in their respective province or territory.

Can you be a solicitor without going to uni?

It's possible to qualify as a solicitor, paralegal or chartered legal executive by completing an apprenticeship. You'll receive a salary and complete classroom and work-based learning. You'll also complete assessments before being admitted to the profession.

What is the difference between a lawyer and 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 can I work in law without a law degree?

There are plenty of careers in law that don't require you to have a degree, here's just a few of them:
  1. Become a legal apprentice. ...
  2. Become a lawyer. ...
  3. Become a paralegal. ...
  4. Become a legal secretary. ...
  5. Make a career change.

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.

WHAT A levels to take to be a lawyer?

Which A-Levels to Take if You Want to Study Law
  • English. English is typically regarded as a good A-Level to take if you want to study law. ...
  • History. ...
  • Politics. ...
  • Languages. ...
  • Maths. ...
  • Sciences. ...
  • Geography, Religious Studies, Music, Philosophy, Economics. ...
  • Law.

Do law firms look at GCSEs?

Baker McKenzie: “As with GCSE grades, A-Level grades form part of the selection criteria for many firms. We look for around 340 UCAS points as a benchmark and use a contextualised recruitment system to understand each candidate's achievements in the context in which they have been gained.

Is it easier to become a solicitor or barrister?

both are very very very very very very very very very very very competitive. but barrister is harder route to take.

How much is a solicitor paid?

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 a solicitor higher than a barrister?

Barristers can be distinguished from a solicitor because they wear a wig and gown in court. They work at higher levels of court than solicitors and their main role is to act as advocates in legal hearings, which means they stand in court and plead the case on behalf of their clients in front of a judge.

Why do solicitors earn so much?

Lawyer salaries are driven by supply and demand, just like everything else. According to data from CEB, the average hourly rate charged by major law firm partners nearly doubled since 2000, while average hourly wages for both blue-collar and white-collar workers have increased less than 20%.

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.

Why are solicitors paid so much?

The most commonly cited reason is simply the investment of money to become a lawyer. Unlike many graduate programs in the sciences or liberal arts, there does not tend to be money available for those wanting to become lawyers, so that the cost must be paid for either out of pocket or through loans.