Becoming a lawyer in the UK is an exciting and rewarding career path. But it can also seem daunting if you’re trying to figure out all the steps involved. You’ve got A Level choices, university degrees, conversion courses, different qualifications and on-the-job training. So where to start!?
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the qualifications you need, how long it takes, and what to expect from a legal career in the UK. As well as traditional Law degrees, we’ll explore alternative routes like degree apprenticeships, the salaries you can expect, and the difference between barristers and solicitors.
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In this article:
How to Become a Lawyer in the UK: Qualifications and Law Schools
What qualifications do you need for Law in the UK?
To become a lawyer in the UK, your path depends on whether you want to become a solicitor or a barrister. But regardless of which specialism you choose, the basic qualifications start the same. You’ll need GCSEs and A Levels (or other post-16 equivalents), followed by a university degree and a conversion course if you haven’t studied Law. Then it’s time for professional training and exams.
There’s a lot to navigate!
Here’s a step-by-step guide to the qualifications you’ll need.
1. Achieve strong GCSEs
Aim for a solid set of GCSEs, especially in core subjects like English and Maths, as these will form the foundation of your educational journey. GCSE grades of 6 or above are generally needed for university.
If you’ve just fallen short, remember GCSE retakes are an option.
2. Complete A Levels (or equivalent)
Most aspiring lawyers take three or four A Levels, typically including subjects such as History, English Literature, Politics or Law. While no specific A Levels are required to study law, high grades and subjects that develop analytical and critical thinking skills are helpful.
For a deeper-dive into A Level choices and the best subject-combinations for Law, don’t miss our in-depth guide.
3. Choose your path to higher education
You’ve got three main options:
- Law Degree (LLB): If you want to dive straight into law at university, this is your first step. A standard law degree usually takes three years, and provides direct entry into the legal profession.
- Non-Law Degree + Law Conversion Course: If you didn’t study law, you can take a one-year Graduate Diploma in Law, GDL (known as a “conversion course”) or follow the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route for solicitors.
- Note: The GDL is being gradually discontinued. However, anyone who started a law degree or GDL before September 2021 can continue to qualify through the traditional route until December 2032.
- Law Degree Apprenticeships: These unique qualifications let you gain practical experience while earning a salary. As part of a degree apprenticeship, you’ll work at a law firm or legal department while studying part-time, taking five to six years to qualify.
Top tip: Throughout your education and training, legal internships and placements are vital for building your skills and network. Experience is invaluable in this competitive field, so don’t underestimate it!
4. Undertake professional training
After your degree, it’s time for professional qualifications. You’ve nearly made it!
- For solicitors, you’ll need to pass the SQE exams (two parts) and complete two years of qualifying work experience – typically with a training contract.
- For barristers, you’ll have to pass the Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT), undertake bar training and complete a one-year pupillage where you’ll gain practical courtroom experience.
Once you’ve completed your training, it’s time for job interviews. To help you prepare effectively, check out our guide to writing cover letters, the difference between cover letters and CVs and what to wear to that all-important first meeting.
Can you become a lawyer without going to Law School in the UK?
If you’re exploring alternative educational pathways, there’s good news. You don’t have to go to Law School in the traditional sense to become a lawyer in the UK. There are alternative pathways for those who didn’t study law at university or who want to earn while they learn.
This includes:
- Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL): If you have a degree in a non-law subject, you can take this one-year conversion course to gain the foundational legal knowledge needed for the profession.
- Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE): Introduced in 2021, the SQE allows non-law graduates to qualify as solicitors by passing exams and gaining qualifying work experience.
- Law Degree Apprenticeships: Offering practical experience while earning a salary. You’ll work in a law firm or legal department and study part-time, usually taking five to six years to qualify as a solicitor.
This flexibility means that even if you didn’t initially choose law, it’s never too late to start a career.
How long does it take to become a lawyer in the UK?
The time it takes to qualify as a lawyer depends on your chosen route. But if you’re starting from A Levels (or other post-16 qualifications like BTECs), you’ll spend between five and seven years studying.
Here’s a breakdown:
Law degree route
- 3 years for an LLB (undergraduate law degree)
- 1-2 years for SQE exams and work experience for solicitors or Bar training and pupilage for barristers.
- Total: 5-6 years.
Non-law degree route
- 3 years for a non-law degree, followed by a 1-year GDL (conversion course) or SQE preparation.
- After that, 1-2 years of professional training as above.
- Total: 6-7 years.
Degree Apprenticeship
- Typically 5-6 years, combining part-time study and full-time work.
Is Law a hard degree?
Law is considered one of the more challenging degrees. It requires extensive reading, critical thinking and the ability to interpret complex statutes and cases. You’ll need strong research skills and the ability to craft clear, persuasive arguments.
The workload can be intense, with large volumes of legal texts to absorb and detailed essays or problem-solving exercises to complete. But if you’re interested in the subject matter, it’s a fascinating and rewarding challenge.
If you’re unsure about whether you’d enjoy a law degree, why not try a university summer course, MOOCs or online introductions to Law? This should provide a taste of the academic work involved.
Is becoming a lawyer hard in the UK?
As you can see, becoming a Lawyer isn’t quick or easy. But it’s more than possible with the right choices and a determined attitude. You’ll need excellent academic results, professional training and work experience.
Once you’ve qualified, competition can also be tough. This is especially the case at prestigious law firms or pupillages with chambers (for Barristers). So while a strong degree classification (like a First Class or a 2:1) is no doubt important, you’ll also have to build your skills and network through work experience, internships and summer placements – showing you’ve got what it takes to succeed in demanding, high-pressure environments.
How to Become a Lawyer in the UK: Salaries and Specialisms
Do lawyers earn good money in the UK?
Yes, lawyers can earn very well in the UK, especially as they gain experience. The earning potential varies depending on your location, specialisation and the size of the firm you work for.
For example:
- Junior lawyers: Salaries typically start between £25,000 and £40,000 per year, with London-based firms usually offering the higher end.
- Experienced lawyers: Once you’re into your career, experienced solicitor and barrister earnings can easily increase to £60,000 to £100,000+.
- Top lawyers and partners in large firms: Can earn over £200,000 annually, especially in fields like corporate law or mergers and acquisitions.
While starting salaries for lawyers are on par with other graduate jobs, the potential for significant growth is one of the key benefits.
What type of lawyer is most in demand in the UK?
The demand for different types of lawyers in the UK shifts as society evolves. Some of the most sought-after specialisations include corporate, family, employment and criminal law.
Corporate and employment lawyers are crucial as businesses expand, handling mergers, compliance, and governance, as well as navigating ever-changing workplace regulations. Family lawyers also remain in high demand due to the complexities of divorce and child custody, while criminal lawyers continuously adapt to new social issues.
Other growing areas include data protection and privacy law, as businesses seek guidance on GDPR and handling sensitive information as well as exciting new fields like AI. Environmental law is also another increasingly important area. With a growing focus on sustainability and climate change, these lawyers help clients navigate environmental regulations, litigate against breaches, and advocate for policies protecting the environment.
What kind of Law pays the most?
If you’re considering legal specialisation, here are five of the highest paying fields.
- Corporate Law: Lawyers in this field often command some of the highest salaries, especially those working for top-tier firms involved in mergers and acquisitions or corporate restructuring. Salaries can easily exceed £100,000, with partners earning much more.
- Banking and Finance Law: Lawyers who specialise in banking and finance law also tend to earn high salaries, particularly those advising on complex financial transactions, investment funds, and regulatory compliance. Salaries in this field mirror those in corporate law.
- Intellectual Property Law: Given the rise of AI technology and innovation, intellectual property (IP) lawyers are in high demand. Those protecting patents, trademarks, and copyrights can earn lucrative salaries, particularly in firms representing major corporations.
- Medical and Health Law: This area involves legal issues related to healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. Lawyers who navigate this complex field can earn substantial salaries, especially those working with large healthcare institutions or pharmaceutical companies.
- Tax Law: Tax lawyers, particularly those dealing with international tax law or corporate tax planning, can also see high earnings. Their expertise is crucial for businesses of all sizes – working closely with accountancy professionals.
How much do beginner lawyers make in the UK?
For trainee solicitors, you can expect to earn somewhere between £25,000-35,000. This will jump once you become a newly qualified solicitor. Typically, newly qualified solicitors earn up to £40,000 a year. But this can jump to £50,000 or more in London.
For newly qualified barristers, the earnings are variable. Indeed, wages and working conditions sparked recent widespread strikes. Many Junior Barristers start around £30,000 to £40,000, but this can rise significantly with experience and a good client base. Established barristers in reputable chambers can earn considerably more, especially those working on high-profile cases.
How to Become a Lawyer in the UK: Solicitors vs Lawyers
Before we wrap-up this guide to becoming a lawyer in the UK, it’s worthwhile clearing up some commonly asked questions. One of the most frequent misunderstandings is the difference between a solicitor and a lawyer. So let’s explain…
Is a Solicitor a Lawyer?
A solicitor is a specific type of lawyer in the UK legal system. While all solicitors are lawyers, not all lawyers are solicitors:
- Solicitors: These professionals provide legal advice and services directly to clients. They prepare legal documents, negotiate on behalf of clients, and may represent clients in lower courts. Solicitors often specialise in particular areas of law, such as family, employment or criminal law.
- Barristers: While solicitors can represent clients in some courts, barristers typically handle advocacy work, representing clients in higher courts. They are often instructed by solicitors to take on specific cases, particularly those requiring courtroom expertise.
What’s a Solicitor’s salary in the UK?
As we’ve seen, solicitors’ salaries vary widely based on experience, specialisation, and the type of law firm. Here’s an overview:
- Trainee Solicitors: As mentioned, trainee solicitors can expect to earn between £25,000 and £35,000, with London firms offering higher salaries.
- Newly Qualified Solicitors: Salaries typically range from £25,000 to £40,000, rising to £60,000 in London.
- Mid-Level Solicitors: With a few years of experience, solicitors expect between £50,000 and £80,000, depending on their specialisation.
- Senior Solicitors and Partners: Senior solicitors and partners in large firms can earn well into six figures. Salaries can exceed £100,000, with some partners earning £200,000 or more, especially in lucrative fields like Corporate Law.
Who gets paid more: Lawyers or Solicitors?
When discussing salaries, it’s important to remember that all solicitors are lawyers, but the term “lawyer” encompasses a broader category, including barristers and other legal professionals.
Generally, barristers start on lower salaries. But they have potential to earn more than solicitors, particularly if they establish a solid reputation and client base in high-stakes areas of law.
According to the government’s national careers service, the average pay-range for solicitors is around £30,000 to £80,000. For a barrister, starter salaries can be as low as £21,000, but can jump to £200,000 or more for experienced professionals.
Is a Law degree worth it in the UK?
Absolutely. A law degree is not only a gateway to a rewarding legal career, but equips you with highly transferable skills.
The critical thinking, research, and communication abilities you’ll develop are valuable in many professions beyond the legal sector. Whether you end up practising law or pursuing a different career, the knowledge and skills gained from a law degree are widely respected.
Additionally, legal careers offer solid pay, job stability, diverse specialisms and the opportunity to make a real impact – whether you’re representing clients, protecting international human rights or advising businesses.
If you’re contemplating a career in Law, reach out to our expert team at Academic Coaching for expert guidance. From navigating the various entry routes, to university applications, study and exam skills and early-career coaching, we’re here every step of the way. Let’s turn those legal dreams into reality.