What degree do you need to practice law in the UK?
Asked by: D'angelo Marks | Last update: October 7, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (64 votes)
No matter whether you choose to become a solicitor or barrister you'll need to study an undergraduate law degree, which is known as an LLB. In order to study a degree, you'll need either A Levels, a BTEC (level 3), or equivalent qualifications.
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)
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 get into law school in the UK?
- 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).
How to become a lawyer in the UK (4 different ways)
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 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 it hard to get into law school in UK?
The Complete University Guide ranks UCL as the 2nd university in the UK for Law (2025). Not only is it competitive to gain a place at UCL, but the Law course is especially difficult to get into. In 2022, UCL's Annual Admissions Statistical Report revealed that the acceptance rate for Law is as low as 9%.
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.
How many years 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.
What are the magic circle law firms?
In the world of Commercial Law, you will often hear talk of 'Magic Circle' firms. This is an informal term used to describe what are generally regarded as the five leading UK-headquartered law firms, namely Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, Freshfields, Linklaters and Slaughter and May.
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 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 can a foreign lawyer practice in the UK?
- hold a legal professional qualification.
- 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, unless exempt.
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 you be a lawyer in the UK without a law degree?
It is perfectly possible to become a solicitor and pursue a legal career in the UK without completing a three-year Law degree. An SQE preparation course, such as Barbri's, will help you to pass the exam and so provide you with sufficient skills and knowledge to become an effective solicitor.
How much do barristers earn 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 a barrister the same as a litigator?
Barristers are involved in and litigation , similar to “trial lawyers” or “ litigators ” in the United States, except such lawyers in America may perform tasks beyond courtroom advocacy, unlike barristers. Barristers are typically hired by solicitors to represent a party in a lawsuit that will be taken to trial .
How to become a solicitor in the UK?
To become a solicitor in the UK, you usually need a degree in Law, or a different subject followed by a Law conversion course, a graduate Law degree or a preparatory course. Specific vocational qualifications and in-work training are then required to practise as a solicitor.
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 a UK law degree 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.
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 law school expensive in the UK?
How much does it cost to study Law in the UK? UK law degree tuition fees generally vary between £12,000-£20,000 per year (around $21,000-$34,000 CAD). Living costs are around £10,000-£13,000 ($17,500-$23,000 CAD) depending on location and lifestyle.
What does LLB mean?
"stands for 'Legum Baccalaureus,' the formal Latin designation for what was once almost universally the first professional law degree in the United States, the Bachelor of Laws.
How long is a PhD in law in the UK?
The PhD in Law may be awarded after three to four years of full-time study (including a probationary period) of supervised independent research on the basis of a thesis not exceeding 100,000 words, exclusive of bibliography, table of contents and any other preliminary matter.