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Learn more about the different paths you can take to a career as a solicitor or barrister. Read up on the qualifications, skills and experience you'll need to become a successful lawyer

What is a lawyer?

Lawyer is a general term referring to anyone who is qualified to give legal advice as a licensed legal practitioner.

Lawyers provide legal advice, draft legal documents and represent people in court. In the UK, 'lawyer' is commonly used to refer to both solicitors and barristers.

Other legal jobs that are sometimes referred to as 'lawyers' include:

• Chartered legal executivesÌýwho are qualified lawyers that specialise in particular fields of law, such as civil and criminal litigation, corporate law or public law. Only those who complete the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives' (CILEx) training programme can use this title.
• ParalegalsÌýwho carry out legal work without being qualified as a solicitor or barrister. They support lawyers by preparing briefing notes and interviewing clients and witnesses.

What's the difference between a solicitor and a barrister?

SolicitorsÌýprovide legal support, advice and services to clients, who can be individuals, private companies, public sector organisations or other groups. Working in private practice, in-house for commercial organisations, in local or central government or in the court service, they may specialise in certain areas of law such as property, family or finance.

In England and Wales,ÌýbarristersÌýrepresent individuals or organisations in court, research points of law and advise clients on their cases. Many are self-employed in chambers, while others work in government departments or agencies, including the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Government Legal Profession. Advocates play a similar role in Scotland.

To help you decide which path would suit you, try to arrangeÌýwork shadowingÌýand work experience placements, and attend insight days. Find out more aboutÌýlaw careersÌýand the differentÌýareas of law.

What law qualifications do I need?

A-level subjects for law

There are no essential A-level subjects for studying law. However, to demonstrate that you have the skills and competencies necessary, choose subjects that involve research, analysis and communication, such as:

• economics
• English literature
• geography
• history
• law (if it's an option at your school)
• maths
• modern languages
• sciences
• sociology.

Be aware that many universities do not accept general studies or critical thinking A-levels.

Legal work is intellectually challenging and competitive, so universities expect excellent A-level grades as evidence that you'll be able to cope with the demands of studying law. Entry requirements for an undergraduate law degree at top universities typically range from A*AA to AAB. Other institutions have less stringent criteria, so check when searching for courses.

Some universities specify required GCSE grades in English, maths and possibly a foreign language.

In addition, to study law at university you'll often have to take theÌýÌýas part of your application. This does not test your knowledge of law - instead, it assesses your aptitude for the required skills. Fees for those taking the LNAT at a UK or European Union (EU) test centre are £75 and £120 for those outside the EU.

Qualifying as a solicitor

Becoming aÌýsolicitorÌývia the university route requires you to complete aÌýqualifying law degree (LLB)Ìýbefore taking theÌýSolicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), which will eventually replace traditional routes to qualification such as theÌýGraduate Diploma in Law (GDL)Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌýLegal Practice Course (LPC).

Your degree doesn't necessarily have to be in law though. 'You are eligible with any degree,' says Keith Mitchelhill, early talent recruitment advisor atÌýWomble Bond Dickinson. 'For those with a non-law degree, however, it is recommended (though not compulsory) that you complete a law conversion course (commonly the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL)) or an SQE preparation course, which provides you with the foundations of legal knowledge that will help in your legal career.'

The next step on the SQE route is to complete two years of qualifying legal work experience (QWE), which can take the form of aÌýtraining contract, before passing the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) character and suitability requirements. You can then apply for admission to the roll of solicitors.

Alternatively, it's possible to complete a Solicitor Apprenticeship, which is a six-year, Level 7 programme aimed at A-level graduates, paralegals and chartered legal executives. Graduate solicitor apprenticeships are also starting to emerge. These follow the same format as a solicitor apprenticeship but instead are aimed at degree holders and take roughly two to three years to complete. Find out more aboutÌýlaw apprenticeships.

Qualifying as a barrister

To become aÌýbarristerÌýin England and Wales you need to complete at least three stages or components of training. These include:

• academic component (law degree)
• vocational component (aÌýBar course)
• work-based learning component (pupillage).

After completing all training components you'll be ready to apply for tenancy as a self-employed barrister in chambers or go into practice as an employed barrister.

Qualifying as a CILEx Lawyer

You can also become aÌýCILEx (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) LawyerÌýthrough theÌýÌýroute. Combining work with study you'll progress across three stages:

• FoundationÌý- aligned to the role of a paralegal
• AdvancedÌý- for those handling cases at an advanced paralegal level
• ProfessionalÌý- for those who want to be CILEX Lawyers in their chosen specialist area of law and with full practice rights.

Students who already hold an undergraduate or postgraduate legal qualification will not have to start at the beginning.

Qualifying as a CILEx Lawyer through the CPQ will cost around £13,000 - less for those with a legal qualification (£6,500 to £7,500), making it considerably cheaper than university study. Students can study through CILEX Law School or through a number of approved providers.

Qualifying as a paralegal

You can study for paralegal qualifications by joining a relevant professional body such as the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP) or CILEX. Via the NALP you can study entry-level certificates through to postgraduate level diplomas.

It's also possible to become a paralegal through the completion of a Level 3 paralegal apprenticeship.

Law graduates looking to gain qualifying work experience to become solicitors or those aiming to build experience in the sector before training to become barristers can find work as paralegals in law firms.

Can I become a lawyer with a 2:2 or a third?

Law is such a competitive sector that even candidates with top grades can sometimes struggle to get qualifying legal work experience, a training contract or pupillage after their studies.

'In general, firms tend to look for a 2:1; however, if you don't have the results that you feel best represent you, don't give up,' explains Keith. 'A lot of law firms allow you to explain any mitigating circumstances. Some firms don't look at grades at all, rather just your eligibility to complete a training contract or QWE.'

However, it might be a good idea to makeÌýspeculative applicationsÌýto smaller high street solicitors, rather than applying to major city firms.

'You can still make your application stand out to law firms by gaining valuable work and life experience, demonstrating your understanding of the key skills gained through this, and how they may transfer to a legal environment,' adds Keith.

Find out more aboutÌýwriting a legal CV and cover letter.

How long does it take to become a lawyer?

If you study full time, it takes five orÌýsix yearsÌýto qualify as a solicitor. This includes a three-year law degree, the SQE assessments and two years of qualifying legal work experience. If you didn't study law you'll need to factor in studying for a law conversion course and/or an SQE preparation course, both of which can extend the training period.

Becoming a barrister takesÌýfive yearsÌý- including three years for your law degree, one year for a Bar course and a one-year pupillage in chambers. Again, add an extra year for a law conversion course if your degree wasn't in law.

Meanwhile, if you're studying to become a lawyer via the CILEx CPQ, each stage will take between 18 months and two years - although students can progress at whatever speed suits them - meaning a student could qualify as a CILEX Lawyer inÌýfive to six years.

What are the best law schools in the UK?

Where you choose to study should be based on your own research into different locations, institutions and their facilities, reputations, industry connections and employability records. It's a personal choice - just because an institution tops the rankings doesn't necessarily mean it's right for you.

However, according to theÌý, the following UK universities top the list for law:

• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford
• University College London (UCL)
• London School of Economics and Political Science
• University of Edinburgh
• King's College London
• University of Glasgow
• Queen Mary University of London
• Durham University
• University of Surrey.

The Universities of Nottingham, Bristol, Warwick, Leeds, Manchester and Essex also appear in the top 100.

Find out more aboutÌýchoosing a university.

What skills will I need to become a solicitor or barrister?

In addition to strong academic grades, there are certain skills you'll need to demonstrate to become a lawyer.

A good indicator of what's required is the LNAT, which is used by many universities as an entrance exam for law degrees. It assesses your:

• verbal and written reasoning skills
• ability to understand and interpret information
• inductive and deductive reasoning abilities
• ability to analyse information and draw conclusions.

To find out more about specific skills, seeÌý7 skills for a successful law career.

How do I get legal work experience?

Getting plenty ofÌýlaw work experienceÌýis vital if you want to become a lawyer. It'll help you to develop the required skills and learn whether it's the right career for you.

Organise informal work experience with high street legal firms before going to university. This could be a couple of weeks spent work shadowing a solicitor and carrying out general office duties. Placements like this, arranged independently, look good on applications for law degrees.

During your studies, apply for formal work placements. These includeÌývacation schemesÌýat law firms, which take place during academic holidays, and mini-pupillages in barristers' chambers.

Other ways to gain useful experience include:

• court marshalling (sitting with a judge for a few days)
• getting involved in your university's law or debating society
• undertaking pro bono work (advising and representing people on a voluntary basis).

'There is also the online platform Forage, which provides valuable work experience as well as a certificate of completion that is recognised by many law firms,' says Keith. 'Citizens Advice is also a great way to develop your soft skills. They provide fantastic training and give you the opportunity to help members of the public overcome difficult circumstances.'

What will prevent me from becoming a lawyer?

There are no age limits on training to become a lawyer but there are certain circumstances that may hinder your chances of becoming a solicitor or barrister, such as:

• Failing to achieve the required qualifications. Working as a solicitor or barrister is a graduate profession and you must complete all elements of training before being accepted onto the roll of solicitors or being called to the Bar.
• Failing to pass character and suitability and 'fit and proper person' checks. The SRA assesses character and suitability before admitting anyone onto the roll of solicitors and the Inns of Court carry out 'fit and proper person' checks before pupil barristers can be called to the Bar. Failing to pass these requirements will prohibit you from working as a solicitor or barrister.
• A criminal record. Certain types of convictions and cautions may prevent you from becoming a lawyer. You won't automatically be disqualified; the SRA handle situations such as this on a case-by-case basis but it's essential that you disclose your criminal record when asked, with honesty. Failure to disclose this could result in a refusal to submit you to the roll of solicitors.
• Debt, County Court Judgements (CCJs) and bankruptcy. Like with a criminal record, financial troubles don’t automatically disqualify you from becoming a solicitor. However, failure to disclose them during the SRA's character and suitability checks will work against you.

Find out more

• Read about diversity in the legal profession.
• Discover the reality of working in law.
• Learn more about the 9 questions you might be asked in a law interview.
• Find out how much lawyers earn.