How to Become a Solicitor in the UK: A Guide to Entry Routes
Becoming a solicitor in the UK is a competitive but rewarding journey, offering multiple pathways depending on your background, qualifications, and career goals. Whether you’re a law graduate, a non-law graduate, or someone looking for an alternative route into the profession, there’s an entry point for you.
In this guide, we’ll explore the main routes to becoming a solicitor in the UK, breaking down the steps required and the pros and cons of each.
1. The Traditional Route: Law Degree + LPC + Training Contract
Who is it for?
- Those who studied law at university before September 2021.
- Those aiming to qualify via the LPC (Legal Practice Course) before SQE becomes the sole route.
Steps to Qualification:
- Law Degree (LLB) – A three-year undergraduate law degree.
- Legal Practice Course (LPC) – A one-year (full-time) or two-year (part-time) vocational course.
- Training Contract (TC) – A two-year paid training period at a law firm.
- Admission to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) – Upon successful completion of the TC.
Pros & Cons:
✅ Structured and well-established route.
✅ Many top law firms still recruit via the LPC/TC pathway.
❌ Competitive – securing a training contract is challenging.
❌ Expensive – the LPC can cost between £10,000-£17,000.
Key Tip: If you’ve already started the LPC route, you can still qualify this way if you secure a training contract before the transitional deadline set by the SRA.
2. The Non-Law Graduate Route: GDL + LPC + Training Contract
Who is it for?
- Those with a non-law degree who want to transition into law.
Steps to Qualification:
- Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) – A one-year conversion course.
- Legal Practice Course (LPC) – Same as above.
- Training Contract (TC) – Same as above.
- Admission to the SRA.
Pros & Cons:
✅ Allows career changers and non-law graduates to enter the profession.
✅ Many top firms sponsor GDL and LPC courses for successful candidates.
❌ High competition for training contracts.
❌ Costly – the GDL adds an extra financial burden (£8,000-£13,000).
Key Tip: If you’re a non-law graduate considering this route, apply early for law firm sponsorship opportunities to cover course fees.
3. The New Route: Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
Who is it for?
- Both law and non-law graduates looking for a flexible and cost-effective way to qualify.
Steps to Qualification:
- Degree (or equivalent qualification) – Can be in any subject.
- SQE1 Exam – Tests legal knowledge (multiple-choice format).
- Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) – Two years’ legal experience in one or multiple organisations.
- SQE2 Exam – Assesses practical legal skills.
- Admission to the SRA.
Pros & Cons:
✅ More flexible – can complete QWE in different settings (e.g., paralegal work, volunteering).
✅ Potentially cheaper – avoids expensive LPC/GDL courses (SQE exams cost around £4,500, but preparation courses vary).
❌ Less structured – finding QWE can be challenging.
❌ Uncertain employer preference – some firms still favour LPC/TC pathways.
Key Tip: If considering the SQE route, research firms’ policies on funding and QWE options.
4. The Solicitor Apprenticeship Route
Who is it for?
- School leavers (post-A levels) looking for an alternative to university.
- Those who want to earn while they learn.
Steps to Qualification:
- Solicitor Apprenticeship (6 years) – Combines on-the-job training with study.
- SQE Exams – Taken as part of the apprenticeship.
- Admission to the SRA.
Pros & Cons:
✅ No student debt – earn a salary while studying.
✅ Ideal for those who prefer practical learning over traditional academia.
❌ Takes longer (6 years vs. 3–4 years via university routes).
❌ Apprenticeships at top law firms are limited and highly competitive.
Key Tip: If considering an apprenticeship, apply early, as places are limited and competitive.
5. The Paralegal Route (Equivalent Means Route)
Who is it for?
- Experienced paralegals who want to qualify without a training contract.
Steps to Qualification:
- Gain significant legal work experience as a paralegal.
- Meet the SRA’s ‘Equivalent Means’ criteria – Demonstrate work experience equivalent to a training contract.
- Pass the SQE1 & SQE2 exams.
- Admission to the SRA.
Pros & Cons:
✅ No need for a traditional training contract.
✅ Ideal for those already working in legal roles.
❌ Experience must be substantial and well-documented.
❌ No guarantee of firm sponsorship for SQE exams.
Key Tip: If working as a paralegal, ask your employer whether they support qualification via this route.
Which Route is Right for You?
| Route | Best For | Time to Qualify | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPC + TC | Law graduates (before SQE) | 5-6 years | £10k-£17k (LPC) |
| GDL + LPC + TC | Non-law graduates | 6-7 years | £15k-£30k |
| SQE | Flexible route for all graduates | 3-5 years | £4.5k+ (SQE exams, prep courses extra) |
| Apprenticeship | School leavers | 6 years | £0 (employer-funded) |
| Paralegal Route | Experienced paralegals | 3-5 years | £4.5k+ (SQE exams, employer funding varies) |
Final Thoughts
The path to becoming a solicitor in the UK has never been more diverse. Whether you’re taking the traditional route, embracing the flexibility of SQE, or opting for an apprenticeship, there’s an option to suit different financial situations, career goals, and educational backgrounds.
For aspiring solicitors, the key is early planning, gaining relevant work experience, and researching firms’ preferences for qualification routes.
🚀 Need help with your legal career journey? Stay updated with the latest recruitment insights by following our blog!
