What degree do you need for law UK?

Asked by: Vicente Block  |  Last update: January 4, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (75 votes)

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. The GDL is for aspiring barristers, while the SQE is the new route for solicitors.

What qualifications do you need to get into law school UK?

Average requirements for undergraduate degrees
  • A levels. ABB.
  • Scottish Highers. BBB.
  • Vocational. BTEC D*D*D* (Level 3 National Extended Diploma in specific subjects) Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma or SQCF Level 6) may be accepted as an alternative.

What is a law degree called in the UK?

LLB Law. Our law degree, known as an LLB or Bachelor of Laws, is equivalent to a BA or BSc. If your career aspiration is to be a solicitor or barrister in the UK, this degree will prepare you in part for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE1) or Bar Practice Course (to qualify as a barrister).

Can you be a lawyer 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 degree do most lawyers need?

A lawyer needs a bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school. Prospective lawyers can begin by earning a four-year degree in a program that offers critical thinking skills and a broad range of professional studies to help them succeed in their careers.

How to become a lawyer in the UK (4 different ways)

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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.

Is a law degree a master's or doctorate?

In the United States, the JD has the academic standing of a professional doctorate (in contrast to a research doctorate), and is described as a "doctor's degree – professional practice" by the United States Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics.

How much do lawyers get paid in the UK?

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. The estimated additional pay is £8,469 per year.

How to become an UK lawyer?

This route includes the completion of a law degree and usually takes around 5 to 6 years. You'll need your employer's support to join it. You'll also need to pass the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), which has 2 parts, and do 2 years' qualifying work experience. The apprenticeship will prepare you for the SQE exams.

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.

Which country is best for law study?

The world's best seven countries to study Law courses are the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Australia, Germany, Japan, and the Netherlands.

What are UK lawyers called?

barrister, one of the two types of practicing lawyers in England and Wales, the other being the solicitor. In general, barristers engage in advocacy (trial work) and solicitors in office work, but there is a considerable overlap in their functions.

What is the degree for law in the UK?

A Law degree will teach you about the legal systems underpinning society. There are several different strands within the study of Law, including LLB, BA, and BSc Law first-degree courses. Our rankings show the best universities for Law in the UK, including courses like Business Law, Criminal Law, and Public Law.

How much do barristers get paid in the UK?

Self-employed barristers with more than ten years' experience earn between £100,000 to £300,000 depending on their area of practice. A small percentage of barristers at the top end of the profession earn between £500,000 to £1million. Employed barristers can expect to earn from £90,000 to in excess of £150,000.

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!

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)

Are lawyers paid well in England?

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.

What is the best degree to become a lawyer UK?

Becoming a solicitor via the university route requires you to complete a qualifying law degree (LLB) before taking the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), which will eventually replace traditional routes to qualification such as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and Legal Practice Course (LPC).

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 highest-paid job in the UK?

1. Chief Executives and Senior Officials. Unsurprisingly, chief executives like CEOs and Managing Directors have the best-paying jobs. After all, they're the highest-ranking individuals in an organisation.

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 degree do most lawyers have?

Juris Doctor (JD)

A Juris Doctor degree is the required legal degree for professionals who are pursuing a career as a practicing attorney.

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.

Can someone with a JD be called a doctor?

A Juris Doctor degree is technically a professional doctorate. But unlike other Ph. D. holders, lawyers don't hold the title of "Doctor." Instead, they can choose to use the title "esquire," which is shortened to "Esq." and is fashioned after the lawyer's name.