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Solicitor

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Solicitors are qualified legal professionals who provide expert advice, prepare legal documents, and represent clients in legal matters. In the UK, solicitors often work in private practice, but they can also be found in government, business, or charitable organisations. Their work can include anything from handling property transactions and drafting contracts, to advising on family law, employment law, or criminal matters. Solicitors may also represent clients in lower courts, and some can become advocates in higher courts with additional qualifications. The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly.

Solicitor

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a solicitor in the UK ranges from £28,000 to £80,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Number of Practising Solicitors

There are over 150,000 practising solicitors in England and Wales as of 2023.

Typical Working Hours

Solicitors usually work 37 to 50 hours per week, with longer hours common in larger firms.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Family Law Solicitor

A solicitor who specialises in legal matters such as divorce, child custody, and adoption, providing advice and representation for families.

Corporate Solicitor

A solicitor who focuses on company law, including mergers, acquisitions, contracts, and advising businesses on legal requirements.

Criminal Defence Solicitor

A solicitor who represents clients accused of criminal offences, offering legal advice and defending them in court.

Achieve Academic Qualifications

Complete GCSEs and A-levels

Obtain good GCSEs and A-levels, especially in subjects like English, History, or Law, to meet university entry requirements.

Most law degree courses require at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths. A-levels in academic subjects such as English, History, or Politics can be helpful, but Law is not essential. Focus on achieving high grades to improve your chances of getting into a top university.

Earn a Qualifying Law Degree (LLB) or Equivalent

Study for a law degree (LLB) or complete a non-law degree followed by a law conversion course.

A qualifying law degree usually takes three years to complete. If your degree is not in law, you will need to take a conversion course called the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), which typically takes one year full-time. Choose a university recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Complete Legal Training

Pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)

Take and pass the SQE, which is the new route to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales.

The SQE is divided into two parts: SQE1 tests legal knowledge and SQE2 assesses practical legal skills. You can prepare for the exams through self-study or by attending preparation courses offered by various providers. Passing both parts is essential to qualify as a solicitor.

Gain Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)

Complete at least two years of qualifying legal work experience in up to four different organisations.

QWE can be gained through placements, paralegal work, volunteering at a law clinic, or working at a law firm. Experience must be signed off by a solicitor and can be completed before, during, or after passing the SQE. This step helps you develop practical legal skills and an understanding of the legal profession.

Become a Qualified Solicitor

Apply for Admission to the Roll of Solicitors

Apply to the SRA to be admitted as a solicitor and join the roll.

Once you have passed the SQE and completed your QWE, you can apply to the Solicitors Regulation Authority for admission. You must also meet the SRA’s character and suitability requirements. Once admitted, you are legally recognised as a solicitor and can begin practising.

Continue Professional Development

Maintain your knowledge and skills through ongoing professional development.

Solicitors are required to keep their skills and legal knowledge up to date throughout their careers. This can involve attending courses, workshops, and seminars, as well as keeping up with changes in the law. Many firms provide regular training opportunities for their staff.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Solicitor. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • the traditional solicitor qualifying route until 2032

University

To qualify as a solicitor, you must:

Though your degree does not have to be in law, you will need some legal knowledge to pass the SQE.

To study law at some universities you'll need to pass the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT).

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 3 A levels or equivalent

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Solicitor Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship to start on the path to qualifying as a solicitor.

This route includes the completion of a law degree and usually takes around 5 to 6 years. You'll need your employer's support to join it.

You'll also need to pass the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), which has 2 parts, and do 2 years' qualifying work experience.

The apprenticeship will prepare you for the SQE exams.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
  • 3 A levels or equivalent

More Information

Work

You could start with a legal firm and do on-the-job training like the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) Level 6 Professional Diploma in Higher Law and Practice.

You would then need to:

Another option is to complete a Paralegal Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship then move on to the solicitor degree apprenticeship route.

Other Routes

If you started a qualifying law degree, Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or Legal Practice Course (LPC) before 2021, you will be able to continue to qualify as a solicitor by the traditional route until 2032.

More Information

Career tips

Competition for solicitor roles is strong so you need to show that you have consistently good grades as you progress through your education.

Getting work experience in different types of legal settings can help you to stand out and show your commitment. There are diversity work experience schemes to encourage under-represented groups into the legal profession.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join The Law Society for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about the training routes to become a solicitor through:

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