The practice of law has been a respected and highly sought-after profession for generations. Currently, law is the third most popular degree that students at British universities strive towards. An impressive 14,000 students apply to law programs each year. If you are considering a career as a solicitor in the UK, it is important to understand what steps are necessary to reach your goals.
Becoming a solicitor takes time and dedication. By understanding how to navigate your way to success, you can decide whether or not this occupation is for you. If you do decide to become a solicitor, you will then be prepared for the ride ahead and will be able to make a smoother, more effective journey.
Undergraduate Education
The initial step you’ll need to take in order to qualify as a solicitor is to obtain an undergraduate law degree. However, it is common for people to change their mind about which career to go for even after they’ve obtained a degree in another subject.
If this is the case for you, don’t panic. If you already have an undergraduate degree that is not in law, you can complete what’s called a law conversion course. While earning an undergraduate law degree has its advantages, it may come as a surprise to many to learn that there are numerous solicitors who have a non-law undergraduate degree. A law conversion course requires an extra year of full-time study. You can also extend the conversion course out over two years if you have limited time.
A law conversion course includes either the Graduate Entry Diploma in Law or the Common Professional Examination, and is a foundational study that will teach you the basics of law. You will then be prepared for the Legal Practice Course, which is the last step to becoming a solicitor.
Tips to Follow During Undergraduate Studies
• Talk with career advisors. Ask them for more information about becoming a solicitor, when career fairs will take place, and about work placement schemes.
• Find related work during time off from school. Work with professionals in law during the school year or during breaks. Consistently strive towards as much “hands-on” experience as possible. This will help set you apart from the crowd.
• Talk with members of the profession so that you can decide what area of law you would like to practice and how best to achieve your goals.
The Legal Practice Course
The Legal Practice Course (LPC), otherwise known as the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, should be viewed as the beginning of your career as a solicitor. The LPC provides comprehensive vocational training for those training to be solicitors. This is where you will fine-tune your education in law so that you can be an effective practitioner.
Becoming a solicitor takes time and dedication. By understanding how to navigate your way to success, you can decide whether or not this occupation is for you. If you do decide to become a solicitor, you will then be prepared for the ride ahead and will be able to make a smoother, more effective journey.
The phases of your LPC studies will include:
• Core foundational subjects such as client care, accounts, professional conduct, probate, European Union law, human rights, and revenue law.
• Compulsory subjects such as business law and practice, criminal litigation, civil litigation, and property law and practice.
• Three elective studies chosen from a range of subjects offered by the institution you are attending.
• Practical skills such as drafting and research, advocacy, interviewing and advising, accounting, trusts and tax planning, and taxation.
Universities Offering the Legal Practice Course
There are a number of universities that offer the Legal Practice Course. To give you an idea of the course fees and qualifications, details from a few universities offering the LPC are listed here:
• City University London: The course fee for full-time EU and non-EU residents is £12,250. Applicants are required to have either a UK honours law degree (second-class or above) or an undergraduate degree in another subject as long as the Common Professional Examination or the Graduate Entry Diploma in Law has been completed.
• University of Westminster: The course fee for full-time students is £9,450. Applicants are required to have an honours law degree (second-class or above) or equivalent (common professional examination or graduate entry diploma in law).
• The College of Law in Birmingham, Bristol, Chester, Guildford, London Bloomsbury, London Moorgate, Manchester, and York: Course fees depend on the specific location you attend, but run from £10,175 to £12,550 for full-time students. General entry requirements are the same as above. There are many other universities in the UK that offer the Legal Practice Course. Search for one in your area and be sure to read their individual entry requirements.
Keep in mind that having an honours law degree or equivalent does not guarantee entry. Many universities base their decision on such things as your related work experience, personal achievements, academic profile, your reasons for wanting to become a solicitor, and other factors. Apply to a few universities while tailoring your approach to meet their unique requirements.
Law Firm Recruitment
There are many law firms that begin recruiting trainee solicitors up to two years in advance. This is why it is so important that you begin performing ample research and preparing applications during your second year at university. If you have a list of firms that you’re interested in working for, look into their deadlines. Not all will make such advanced recruitments, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Non-law students should begin taking the same steps during their last year at university.
The Training Contract
As part of your preparation in becoming a solicitor, you will be required to two years of practical training at a law firm. This is called a training contract and it is compulsory for qualification as a contractor.
The Professional Skills Course
As determined by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, you will also be required to successfully complete the Professional Skills Course during the time of your training contract. This course is equivalent to 12 full days of coursework that includes advocacy, communication skills, assessment, professional standards and client care, and business and financial skills. In other words, in the Professional Skills Course, you will build on what you learned during the Legal Practice Course.
What Employers Are Looking For
Once you have completed all required courses, it is important to keep in mind that your education in law never ends. If you are interested in setting up a private practice someday, it will be necessary to take it one step at a time. Seeking employment with a firm or organization is essential for getting your foot in the door.
Besides looking into your educational background, employers will want to know about your personal achievements to determine your level of dedication to law.
Prepare ahead of time by gaining as much experience as possible while working towards a degree.
In addition, employers may have the following questions for you:
• Why do you want a career in law?
• What can you offer our organization/firm?
• Why did you choose our organization/firm?
• How well do you handle challenges?
• What areas of law interest you?
• What steps have you taken to prepare yourself for a career as a solicitor?
Preparation is the key to success when it comes to interviews with potential employers. Remember to be clear and concise. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills. Read up on the organization/firm you are applying to so that you can get a sense of what they might be looking for in a solicitor.
How Much Money Will I Make as a Solicitor in the UK?
As with most occupations, your salary as a solicitor will depend on your experience. The Solicitor Regulation Authority (SRA) sets the minimum trainee solicitor salary each year. The minimum for trainee solicitor in London is currently £18,590. For trainee solicitors outside of London the minimum is £16,650. Keep in mind that this is the minimum entry salary. Research has shown that the average trainee earns £22,016 straight out of the gate. Some firms offer starting salaries of up to £50,000.
Your primary goal should be to gain experience. Over time, you will meet solicitors with salaries well over £100,000. With each year of experience that you attain, you are likely to add between £2,500 and £6,500 to your salary. Hard-working individuals will receive the best job placement and will have the opportunity to make the most money from their effort. Learn to handle challenges well, gain as much pertinent knowledge as possible, and continually strive to provide better services and you will have the greatest potential for a growing salary.
Pros and Cons of Becoming a Solicitor in the UK
While a job as a solicitor offers numerous rewards, it isn’t for everyone. If you are still unsure about whether or not to pursue a career as a solicitor, consider the following list of pros and cons.
Pros
• Great earning potential (especially at law firms in the city) once you’ve gained a foothold on the legal career ladder
• Good job security
• Intellectually stimulating
• Helping people and businesses find solutions
Cons
• Preparation is challenging and can be costly
• Long hours
• Strong competition
• Tedious aspects to the job at times
• Taxing for people who do not handle stress well
Ask yourself if you are the kind of person who thrives on challenges. Are you able to stay calm and collected under pressure? Do you enjoy working with people? You’ll need to strive towards gaining excellent communication skills. The ability to write clearly, concisely, and logically is also imperative.
With experience, you will develop these skills. Be sure that you cover all of your bases so that you become as knowledgeable and skilful as possible. Within about five years of studying and training, you will be able to practice law. This is a large time commitment that will require a lot of effort, so be sure that you feel up to the task before setting out on the path of becoming a solicitor.
Prepare as Much as Possible
Don’t forget to talk with your university career advisors and teachers about how you can get ahead and become more prepared for your career as a solicitor. Many students make the mistake of not taking full advantage of their time at university. By tapping all of the resources available to you, law firms/organizations will notice your first.
By gaining as much information as you can, you will also be more prepared to make a decision on what role you would like to take on as a solicitor. For instance, as a solicitor for a large commercial firm, your primary job will be advising companies on a myriad of issues. The hours will be long, but the pay will be among the top for solicitors. If you prefer working more directly with individuals, a job as a high street solicitor will be more suitable. Visit different solicitors with varying roles so that you can ask questions or discuss concerns you may have. This will help in your decision about what path to take. The more time you take to assess what becoming a solicitor entails, the more prepared you will be for the challenging road ahead.
Gaining a strong academic background, gaining real life experience, and always staying several steps ahead will ensure your success as a solicitor. While there are many people in the UK applying to law school, prospects will remain strong as long as you stay focused and handle the challenges that come your way with calm and determination.
Helpful Contact Information
If you have a strong interest in becoming a solicitor, there is contact information that you should be aware of to help you navigate your way to success. Gaining as much information as possible about your future career will ensure fewer obstacles along the way.
For more information on the admission requirements for university undergraduate law degree courses, contact:
The Universities and Colleges Admission Services (UCAS)
PO Box 28, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3SA
Telephone 0870 112 2211
www.ucas.ac.uk
For more information on the Legal Practice Course, Common Professional Examination, and the Graduate Entry Diploma in Law, contact:
The Central Applications Board
PO Box 84, Guildford, Surrey GU3 1YX
www.lawcabs.ac.uk
