Is becoming a lawyer in UK hard?

Asked by: Kevon Goldner  |  Last update: October 22, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (34 votes)

Becoming a lawyer in the UK is not a quick process by any means. It involves dedication, years of study and work experience, and ongoing professional development.

Is being a lawyer hard in the UK?

Every day, people across the country need legal assistance for various issues. But what many people may not know is that becoming a lawyer is a challenging process that requires years of hard work and dedication. To give you a taste of what being a lawyer is like, check out our Law Summer School.

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.

Is UK law school hard to get into?

UK Law School Entry Requirements

You will typically need high school grades of 70% (or at least 60%) or a university degree with a 2.6 GPA. No matter what your grades we can find a route to Law school in the UK for you!

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

How long it takes. 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.

Is Becoming a Lawyer Hard? The truth

32 related questions found

Are lawyers well paid in the UK?

Job site Indeed reports the average salary for a solicitor is just under £50,000 a year, based on almost 11,000 reported salaries. Of course, this figure can vary significantly based on the factors mentioned earlier, with some London based, Magic Circle firms paying experienced professionals well over £100,000 a year.

Can an American become a lawyer in the UK?

If you're an overseas student, in order to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales, you'll need to: hold a degree in any subject or an equivalent qualification (such as an apprenticeship) or work experience. complete two stages of assessment, SQE1 and SQE2. complete two years of qualifying work experience (QWE)

What is the hardest degree in the UK?

While Medicine may top the list, the UK offers a range of other challenging degrees. Whether you're considering a BA Hons or a BSc Hons, here's a more detailed look at the top five hardest degrees. Medicine: As mentioned, Medicine is the toughest degree due to its length, complexity and the sheer volume of material.

Is studying law in the UK worth it?

Law qualifications from UK universities are commonly recognised as some of the best in the world. High standard of teaching, research led programmes and emphasis on practical law skills are among some of the reasons why a UK law degree is so valued.

What GPA do you need for law school in the UK?

Apply for a 3-year LLB in the UK

Students will normally need a GPA of at least 2.7/4.0 to qualify for this program. SI-UK will assist you in applying to 5 UK Universities at once, making sure you get into as high-ranked a university as your transcripts will allow.

What is the hardest law degree to get?

The hardest law school to get into is Yale Law School, with an acceptance rate of 5.5%. Followed by: Stanford Law School: 7% acceptance rate. The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School: 3.8% acceptance rate.

What is the hardest degree in the world?

BSN or Bachelor of Science in Nursing is considered the toughest degree in the world according to the Guinness book of World Records. Following that, the other hardest degrees include engineering, medicine, IAS, IPS, etc.

What is the easiest degree to get?

Here is a list:
  1. Accounting. If numbers are your thing, a degree in accounting could be just what you're looking for. ...
  2. Criminal Justice. ...
  3. Early Childhood Education. ...
  4. General Studies. ...
  5. Healthcare Administration. ...
  6. Computer Information Systems. ...
  7. Marketing. ...
  8. Psychology.

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 is the hardest place to become a lawyer?

1. Which State Bar Is Most Difficult? California is widely considered to have the hardest bar exam, due to its low pass rate and the difficulty of the content and constraints of the exam.

How many hours do lawyers work UK?

And what impact do super-sized workweeks have on solicitors, personally and professionally? For solicitors, a full-time role rarely means working 9-to-5. In the UK, solicitors commonly exceed a 40-hour work week, often extending into evenings and weekends to accommodate client needs and meet billable hour targets.

How long is law school in the UK?

If you complete an “ordinary” LLB, this takes 3 years. Most students undertake an LLB with Honours, and this takes 4 years. If you study part-time the LLB usually takes 5 years to complete.

Is law oversaturated in the UK?

Yes, it is beyond saturated - it is supersaturated. We churn out many more lawyers each year than the system can possibly absorb. Some people complain about that endlessly.

Do you need maths for law UK?

While maths isn't directly required for a career in law, it's still a valuable subject because it sharpens your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

What is the most stressful university in the UK?

The University of the West of Scotland takes the lead as the most stressful university earning a stress score of 73.7 out of 100. This is largely due to an abundance of negative student reviews and the challenge posed by its courses, which are ranked among the most difficult nationwide.

What degree has the highest dropout rate UK?

In conclusion, the degrees with the highest dropout rates in the UK are typically in the fields of engineering, computer science, and business. Factors that contribute to high dropout rates in these programs include the challenging coursework, lack of support from faculty, and unrealistic expectations of the field.

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.

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 year 9 options should I take to be a lawyer in the UK?

History, Geography, Modern Foreign Languages and English Literature are often encouraged for potential lawyers as they can help to broaden your awareness of global and political issues.