Non-commercial solicitor: Entry requirements

This area of work is open to graduates from all disciplines, and although a degree in law may be relevant, it is not necessarily regarded as an advantage. The routes into the profession vary slightly depending on where you live in the UK, and each is overseen by a different body: in England and Wales by the The Law Society of England and Wales ; in Scotland by the Law Society of Scotland ; and in Northern Ireland by the The Law Society of Northern Ireland . Apart from the Law Societies, good sources of information about becoming a solicitor are LawCareers.Net and the College of Law .

Although there are national variations, the basic graduate entry route starts with either a law degree or, following a first degree in another subject, a one-year full-time conversion course known as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), sometimes called the Common Professional Examination (CPE). Part-time courses are also available.

All graduates then have to undertake the Legal Practice Course (LPC). This course is usually taken full-time over one year (although part-time options are possible) and it teaches the practical application of law. Prospective solicitors then compete to obtain a two-year training contract. It is common to secure sponsorship to cover the LPC fees from an employer in return for a commitment to taking up a training contract with them, but competition is fierce.

Contracts are available in:

firms in private practice – which provide around 90% of contracts;
local government (see Solicitors in Local Government ;
central government (see the Government Legal Service (GLS) and Government Legal Service for Scotland (GLSS) ;
the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) .

Non-graduates who want to train as solicitors are not admitted to the LPC but can follow the legal executive route to qualification. Full details are available from the The Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) .

Competition for LPC sponsorship and training contracts is the most severe bottle-neck in the profession and employers have come to expect a 2.1 degree, excellent A-level grades (or equivalent), evidence of commitment to the career, and a range of extracurricular activities.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following skills and aptitudes:

excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
stamina;
resilience;
computer skills;
negotiating skills;
an even temperament;
time-management skills.

Most employers also want to see evidence of relevant work experience. Becoming a solicitor demands a huge personal commitment of time and money and it is difficult to make an informed choice without first having relevant work experience. Many firms of solicitors offer vacation work experience placements and useful experience can also be gained from participation in student law society activities, client interviewing competitions, mooting and pro bono work-schemes.

Not all training contracts or vacation placement opportunities are advertised, particularly in the case of smaller local firms, so it is advisable to write speculatively to firms. Smaller firms are unlikely to offer sponsorship towards the LPC and many applicants are self-funding. In addition, those interested in working in general practice or so-called ‘high-street firms’ often find themselves undertaking the LPC without the security of having obtained a training contract in advance. This type of firm is likely to advertise trainee vacancies nearer to the time of appointment, and this is also the case with in-house and local government vacancies, whereas central government and City firms commonly advertise two years ahead.

It is illegal for employers to discriminate against candidates on the grounds of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation or religious faith. For more information on equality and diversity in the job market see handling discrimination.

For more information see work experience and find courses and research.

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