How to become a solicitor in the UK

CONTENTS

1. What do solicitors do?

2. Becoming a solicitor in the UK

3. How to become a solicitor in England and Wales

4. How to become a solicitor in Northern Ireland

5. How to become a solicitor in Scotland

What do solicitors do?​

Solicitors provide expert legal advice and support to individuals, groups, private companies or public-sector organisations. They're usually the first person contacted about a legal problem – they assess and advise on the appropriate legal action. 

Solicitors tend to have a specialism like family law focusing on things like wills or divorce or commercial law working on mergers or business disputes.  

Solicitors usually represent clients in 'lower' courts such as magistrates, county courts, and tribunals. But with specialist training, may appear in high courts along with barristers.  

The work of a solicitor is demanding. They must be able to communicate well with clients, analyse large amounts of information and work meticulously. 

What’s it like to work as a solicitor?

Many solicitors work in law firms. The ‘magic circle’ is a small group of well-known law firms in London that specialise in finance and corporate law. They manage high-profile mergers or acquisitions. Other solicitors work alone or in-house for a business, or in government.  

Whatever route you decide to take, you can expect to work long hours, particularly when approaching deadlines.  

Work is usually office-based but can include external client meetings, where overnight stays may be necessary. 

How much do solicitors earn?

Trainee solicitors must be paid at least the national minimum wage. Most employers pay more, but it depends on the company and location. 

Newly qualified solicitors working for small to midsize firms can expect to earn £25,000–£57,000 a year but salaries in London can be far higher.

Commercial law commands the highest salaries. Those working for large corporations can be paid upwards of £62,000 a year and once you become a partner or head of department you could earn over £100,000. 

If you’re considering a legal career as a solicitor, be aware that it’s very competitive. A good degree is vital to help you secure a training contract (a bit like an apprenticeship), which is the final step before qualifying. 

Becoming 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. 

England and Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland all have their own legal system with different requirements to qualify as a solicitor.  

If you're not sure which law career is right for you, see our information about barristers and chartered legal executives. 

How to become a solicitor in England and Wales

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is the regulating body for England and Wales. It decides what's required to qualify and practise as a solicitor. These requirements changed for students starting their studies from 2022/23.  

The stages of training are: 

• Any degree or equivalent level 6 qualification 
• Passing both stages of the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE)   
• Two years’ full time (or equivalent) work experience   
• Passing a final character and suitability assessment 

There are also other work-based ways of qualifying, such as a solicitor degree apprenticeship. 

Degree or equivalent qualification

The starting point for a career in law has changed and you can now choose from a Law based or non-Law degree without needing to do a Law conversion course or graduate Law degree. 

An equivalent UK qualification at level 6 or above or a comparable overseas qualification are also recognised. 

Work experience equivalent to a UK degree/equivalent qualification is also considered on a case-by-case basis.  

Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE)   

The SRA has introduced a new two-part Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). It'll test your legal knowledge (SQE Stage 1) and your practical legal skills (SQE Stage 2) through written and practical assessment.  

What do the SQE exams cover? 

SQE 1 will test you on applied legal knowledge through two multiple-choice exams. The first test covers business law and practice, dispute resolution, contract, tort, the legal system of England and Wales, constitutional and administrative law plus EU law and legal services. The second examines property practice, wills and the administration of estates, solicitors accounts, land law, trusts, criminal law and practice. 

SQE 2 focuses on practical legal skills, sampled across five practice areas: criminal litigation, dispute resolution, property practice, wills and intestacy plus probate administration and practice, and business organisations rules and procedures. Skills such as client interviewing and advocacy, legal analysis, legal research, drafting and writing will be assessed through tasks or ‘stations.’  

Ethics and professional conduct will also be assessed through both stages.  

The SRA expects that SQE 1 is likely to be taken after a law degree or preparatory course, while SQE 2 might be taken once the qualifying work experience is completed. You must pass SQE 1 before taking SQE 2. You have three attempts to pass each stage of the SQE, but the SQE must be completed within six years of taking your first assessment for SQE 1.  

Although the academic requirement for the SQE is a degree in any subject (or equivalent qualification), if you haven't taken a Law degree, you’re likely to need a preparatory course to pass the SQE exams. A list of preparatory courses is available on the SRA website. 

How much will the SQE cost?​

The fees for Autumn 2023 are £1,798 for the SQE 1 and £2,766 for SQE 2. These figures don’t account for any preparatory courses that may be required. You may be eligible for student finance if you take a Law degree or master’s that offers SQE preparation. The exams themselves sit outside the academic system, so there’s no provision for funding via.

Qualifying work experience  

You need to gain 24 months' experience of providing legal services. This can be with up to four organisations – whether paid or unpaid – and it doesn't need to be completed in one go. It could include placements while on a Law degree, working with a voluntary organisation such as Citizens Advice Bureau, or within a law firm as a trainee, apprentice or paralegal. Experience must be signed off by a solicitor. 

Character and suitability test  

Before you qualify to become a solicitor, you will also need to apply for a character and suitability assessment. This will consider various factors including a check by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). More information about this, including costs, can be found on the SRA website.  

Other ways of qualifying: Level 7 solicitor apprenticeship 

You can also become a solicitor by completing a Level 7 higher apprenticeship while working for a law firm. The training is equivalent to a master’s degree and may include the award of a degree. As an apprentice, you must also pass the SRA’s new SQE examinations.  

Training is paid for by the employer and as an apprentice you're paid at least the relevant minimum wage, with some firms offering a higher starting salary. Places are advertised by employers as they become available. 

Entry is open to post-A Level candidates, with no age restrictions. Normally taking five to six years, the apprenticeship can be reduced to a minimum of two years depending on whether you have relevant work experience, an earlier related apprenticeship or other legal qualifications. 

How to become a solicitor in Northern Ireland

Solicitors in Northern Ireland are regulated by the Law Society of Northern Ireland. The Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS) at Queen’s University, Belfast, oversees professional training for both solicitors and barristers. 

The stages of training are: 

• Law degree or Law conversion course
• Vocational qualification: Solicitor Course at the IPLS
• Two-year apprenticeship, which starts before the Solicitor Course

Law degree or Law conversion course

In Northern Ireland, you can study for a Law degree at Queen’s University Belfast or Ulster University to make it to the next stage of training. You can also study elsewhere in the UK for your undergraduate degree – the IPLS has a list of acceptable Law degrees on its website in its Information Booklet for Applicants.

The Law of Evidence is required in Northern Ireland, which can be taken as a separate exam if necessary.

For non-Law graduates, Queen’s offers a two-year master’s in law (MLaw).

Vocational qualification: Solicitor Course

The IPLS is responsible for training the legal profession in Northern Ireland. Trainee solicitors and barristers complete a similar course and are awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Studies (Bar or Solicitor as appropriate).

What does the Solicitor Course cover?

During this year-long course you gain knowledge of practice and procedure in a broad range of areas – from civil to criminal litigation, family, public and property law. You learn about accounts, insolvency and revenue, along with conveyancing, drafting wills and more. The course also has elective options.

Client skills are developed, including advocacy (arguing the client's case), interviewing and negotiation. Written skills cover drafting legal texts and legal research. You also learn about practice management.

In areas of joint training, separate tutorials or practical exercises may be given to solicitors and barristers. Other areas are taught separately, for example land law and conveyancing. 

The PgDip Professional Legal Studies is taken during the two-year apprenticeship for solicitors. The apprenticeship starts in September with in-office training. From January–December, the full-time vocational course is taken at IPLS. Finally you complete your apprenticeship from January–August. 

Entry requirements and applications

Entry requirements are a recognised Law degree, or a non-Law degree followed by a Law conversion or graduate Law degree. Applications are made online from September to mid-November where, if successful, you’ll sit an admissions test. If you’re an international student, you must prove your English language ability. 

You start your apprenticeship before beginning the diploma course. After applying to the IPLS but before getting the offer of a place, you need to find a 'master' for your apprenticeship. Start this as soon as possible, as there's intense competition. 

On securing a master, register with the Law Society. This can be a 'conditional registration' if a place on the diploma hasn't been confirmed. You must register by the deadline or risk losing your place on the diploma. 

Fees and funding

For 2023/24, fees are £10,200. You may be eligible for a postgraduate loan, and scholarships may be available from universities. 

Apprenticeship

As outlined above, in Northern Ireland the two-year apprenticeship starts before the vocational qualification and finishes after it. Apprenticeships are under a 'master', a qualified solicitor of seven years standing. Apprenticeships may be advertised on law firm websites, undergraduate notice boards, or by the Law Society. You normally make direct contact with a master and send them a detailed CV. The apprenticeship begins on the same day for all trainee solicitors. 

On completion of your apprenticeship, having passed all examinations, you can apply for a Practising Certificate. Initially, you can't practise on your own or in partnership for at least two more years.

How to become a solicitor in Scotland

The Law Society of Scotland regulates individual solicitors and law firms in Scotland. It accredits providers of the Bachelor of Laws (LLB), as well as the vocational Diploma in Legal Practice. 

The stages of training are: 

• Law degree (or senior status/graduate LLB) in Scots Law 
• Vocational qualification: PEAT 1 
• Traineeship: PEAT 2 

Law degree in Scots Law

Scotland has a separate legal system to that of England and Wales. Commonly, a trainee solicitor starts with a degree in Scots law. Accelerated courses are available for non-Law graduates. If you have a dual Scots and English Law degree, you’re qualified to practise as a solicitor in both jurisdictions. You must take exams in the subjects specified by the Law Society to continue onto the vocational qualification.

Alternatively, if you work in the legal sector, you may be able to enter a three-year 'pre-PEAT training contract' with a Scottish solicitor. During the training contract, you’ll need to complete coursework and professional exams set by the Law Society. 

Vocational qualification: PEAT 1 (Diploma in Professional Legal Practice)

Professional Education and Training Stage 1 (PEAT 1) is commonly known as the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (DPLP). It’s taken by both trainee solicitors and advocates, who follow the same path as solicitors for most of their training.

As elsewhere, getting a traineeship after the DPLP is highly competitive. Some firms recruit years in advance, while other places may become available while students are on the DPLP. 

What does the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice cover?

The DPLP is practical in focus. It includes a high degree of skills-based teaching, much of it delivered by qualified solicitors. Courses vary by provider but all cover business, financial and practice awareness, private client work, litigation, conveyancing and tax. Core outcomes include professionalism, professional communication (within teams as well as the skills needed for effective legal work) and professional ethics and standards. Elective modules allow you to specialise. 

Six Scottish universities are accredited to run the course by the Law Society of Scotland. The course is one year full-time or two years part-time. Assessments are decided by the university. They may include exams, written assignments, online multiple-choice tests or client interview scenarios using actors. 

Entry requirements and application

For entry, normally you need the LLB in Scots Law. Or more rarely, you can enter as a non-graduate who has completed a three-year 'pre-PEAT training contract' with a Scottish solicitor, as referred to above.

In all cases, entry is based on your average marks in the foundation legal subjects (normally taken in the first or second year of your degree) rather than your final degree award. If you’re an international student, you must prove ability in the English language. Exact requirements vary by provider so refer to university websites.

Applications are open from March–May. You may apply to up to two diploma providers but can only accept one offer of a place.

You should say if you've secured a training contract to follow the DPLP, as this may help you secure a place. 

How much does the DPLP cost? Is funding available?

In 2023/24, UK fees range from £7,930–£10,735 with international fees from £7,930–£24,800. Part-time fees are pro-rata. 

You may be eligible for a postgraduate loan, and scholarships may be available from universities. 

Traineeship: PEAT 2

PEAT 2 is known as the traineeship, where the skills and values learned on the DPLP are honed 'on the job'. Both solicitors and advocates must complete a period of in-work training as a solicitor – which means there’s a lot of competition for traineeships. The diploma is valid until the end of December five years after it’s awarded, so you must secure a PEAT 2 place within that time.

The traineeship for solicitors is two years. Before starting the PEAT 2 traineeship, you must apply for an entrance certificate. 

Large firms often advertise for traineeships up to two years ahead, so if you’re completing an LLB you can apply during the final year of your degree before starting the DPLP. The Law Society recommends that trainees are paid £20,500 in their first year of training and £23,750 in their second (figures from 2023).

Qualified solicitors are registered with the Law Society of Scotland.