If you are thinking about becoming a lawyer, then you might want to know about the training you will need to acquire. There are various options available to you, ranging from a Solicitor to a Lawyer, and even an Advocate. You will also find information about what types of employment opportunities are available, including a LLM.
Solicitor
The pathway to becoming a solicitor in the UK is changing. The old pathway, which was a two-year training contract in practice, was considered unhelpful and failed to increase access to the legal profession.
The Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) has introduced a new method of assessment for all potential solicitors. It is called the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, or SQE.
This is a qualification exam which will be available in England and Wales from September 2021. In practice, it is a two-part test that measures a candidate’s practical and theoretical skills, ensuring that they are equivalent to those of their domestic counterparts.
The SQE is designed to be a one-stop shop for all prospective solicitors. Candidates must take it in order to be eligible to apply for a training contract.
During this two-year training period, a trainee solicitor will be employed by a law firm. They will then be entered on the roll of solicitors and be able to apply for a practising certificate. Throughout the course, the trainee will gain experience in a variety of different legal departments. At the end of the course, they will be awarded a training certificate and will be entered on the Law Society’s rolls as full members.
While the SQE tests a candidate’s legal knowledge, the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) provides candidates with the necessary skills to take on a two-year training contract. There is also a Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme, or QLTS, which allows lawyers who have qualified in a foreign jurisdiction to apply for a training contract in the UK.
The SQE is designed to reflect the various routes to a solicitor’s career. As such, it is accompanied by structured preparation courses which will help candidates to pass the relevant academic qualifications and assessments.
Regardless of which route you take, it is important to start the application process as early as possible. Solicitor firms will often provide insight days and special schemes during university holidays. Speculative letters can also be written to request work shadowing or an unpaid apprenticeship.
The Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme is the fastest route to become a solicitor. However, if you want to qualify as a solicitor in the UK, you should take the time to prepare for the test by taking the Graduate Diploma in Law, the Professional Skills Course, and the SQE.
Advocate
If you want to become a lawyer in the UK, it is important to understand the qualifications you will need, the different routes you can take and the skills you will need to develop. These tips will help you to decide whether it is the right career for you.
Getting a university degree is a key step in becoming a lawyer in the UK. You can choose to study a four-year law degree, or a two-year graduate course in law.
You can also choose to undertake an apprenticeship. This option will allow you to work for a law firm while still completing your studies. Some firms will cover the cost of these qualifications. However, it can be a very expensive route to take, and it may be difficult to find a place in a firm.
There is a new way to become a solicitor in the UK. It is called the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, and it will be introduced in England and Wales from September 2021. In order to qualify, you will need to pass both stages of the examination.
The first stage is the SQE. It is a regulated exam that tests your knowledge of the law and your ethical conduct. Many candidates take the SQE before completing a legal practice course.
The next part of the qualifying process is the LPC. This is the vocational stage of training for domestic solicitors. It is a two-year training contract at a law firm. Law firms often pay for this course.
You will also need to complete a conversion course if you have a non-law degree. This will help to prepare you for the LPC, and it will also be cheaper.
You can also complete a mini-pupillage at a barrister’s chambers. This will give you an idea of what it is like to be a lawyer and it will look good on your application for a law degree.
Finally, you can study for a Master of Laws (LLM). This is a graduate qualification which will give you the opportunity to specialise in a particular area of law. A MOL will be a great way to expand your knowledge in a particular field, and it is an excellent way to get noticed by employers.
LLM
There are a number of routes you can follow to become a lawyer in the UK. The first is to study an undergraduate law degree. However, if you wish to become a solicitor, you will need to undergo a further training process.
Alternatively, you may decide to pursue a LLM. This qualification is designed to give you an advanced understanding of the laws and regulations governing your chosen area of law. Some LLMs also contain a research element.
During your studies, you will spend around 40 hours a week analysing complex legal issues. Typically, you will also write a dissertation on a subject of your choice. Many LLM programmes also include networking opportunities, which can help you secure a training contract.
To become a solicitor in the UK, you must complete a two-year training contract at a law firm. In addition to this, you will also need to take a Professional Skills Course (PSC) to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to work as a solicitor.
You can also become a solicitor by completing a conversion course. If you do not have an undergraduate law degree, you can complete a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).
After completing an LLM, you will typically go on to a career as a solicitor with a larger client base and specialism. A solicitor’s core skills vary by profession, but you can expect to spend time on areas such as personal injury claims, legal matters relating to property, criminal charges, and more.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority regulates solicitors in England and Wales. It has transitional arrangements in place for those already in training.
An alternative route to becoming a solicitor in the UK is to undertake a legal apprenticeship. Legal apprentices can be settled in the UK or abroad. These are paid for by the law firm. They must be legally able to stay in the UK for the duration of the apprenticeship.
If you have completed an undergraduate law degree in another country, you can qualify to practise law in England or Wales. However, you will have to complete a GDL conversion course.
Alternative employment options
If you’re thinking of becoming a lawyer in the UK, it’s important to understand the different employment opportunities available to you. There are plenty of options available, from working for a Crown Prosecution Service lawyer to working in an in-house environment for a business or professional services firm. By understanding the different employment options you can decide which one is best for you.
Traditionally, a lawyer was a graduate of a law degree who was employed as a solicitor or barrister. However, more graduates are choosing to study alternative routes to qualification. A number of legal apprenticeships have become popular in recent years. These are designed to allow applicants to gain a professional qualification while working in the industry.
Graduates of UK law degrees can also pursue careers in international law. This can involve advising NGOs or human rights organisations, or handling human rights cases. In addition, they can specialise in a variety of areas, such as international tax law or criminal law. Some of these areas require strong English skills, as the language is often used to communicate in these fields.
As well as being highly respected and regarded by employers, UK law degrees can provide students with transferable skills that they can use in any job. Law is a career that’s constantly evolving, so there’s no end to the employment possibilities available.
Alternatively, you could work as a management consultant. This can be a demanding career that involves high level analytical skills and creativity. You’ll also need to be able to deal with a range of clients, as you’ll be working on similar hours to lawyers. But while it might seem daunting, it’s a great career opportunity if you can handle the pressure.
Whatever path you choose to take, becoming a lawyer is a rewarding and fulfilling profession. Many law graduates practice as solicitors or barristers, while others are self-employed in chambers. It’s a highly versatile profession that can offer generous remuneration and a wide range of employment opportunities. Whether you choose to work in a large law firm or in a small business, there’s never a dull moment for a lawyer.