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What A Levels Do I Need to Be a Lawyer? Choosing the Right Subjects for Your Legal Journey

What A Levels Do I Need to Be a Lawyer? Choosing the Right Subjects for Your Legal Journey

So, you want to be a lawyer? You might have imagined yourself striding confidently into courtrooms, arguing your case like a pro and shouting “Objection!” in the mirror. There’s no doubt, it’s an appealing career. But before you start planning your courtroom victories, there’s one important step: figuring out your A Levels.

Choosing the right A Levels can set you on the path towards a fantastic legal career. Whether you’re aiming for Oxbridge, thinking about top law firms, or just trying to pick the best subject combinations, we’re here for you. We’ve already written a brief introduction to GCSE and A Level choices, but now it’s time for the deep-dive.

In this guide, we’ll cover which A Levels give you a head start, Oxbridge applications, if Law A Level is helpful (spoiler: it’s debatable), and how much lawyers actually earn. We’ll also provide pointers for qualifying as a lawyer in the UK.

In this article:

What A Levels are good for Law?

When choosing A Levels for a legal career, it’s important to go for subjects that build critical thinking, argumentation and strong writing skills. Universities don’t expect specific A Levels, but they’ll look for traditional, academically demanding subjects showing you can handle legal studies. This includes subjects like English Literature, History, Maths and Philosophy.

If you’re aiming for a law degree, the best A Level subjects will be those that develop essential legal skills. Here are the top ten subjects to consider.

  1. English Literature: English Literature is great for law because it teaches you to analyse complex texts and craft compelling arguments – skills you’ll need in your law degree and future legal career.
  2. History: A classic choice. History requires you to evaluate evidence, argue persuasively, and develop a deep understanding of how systems work. All very handy for law.
  3. Maths: Maths (and Further Maths) build logical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are crucial for constructing legal arguments. Don’t worry, though. There’s not too much number-crunching in law!
  4. Modern Languages: If international law interests you, having a second language can be a big plus. Plus, it demonstrates adaptability and intellectual curiosity.
  5. Government and Politics: This subject goes hand-in-hand with law, giving you insights into political and legal systems.
  6. Philosophy: Encouraging critical thinking and ethical reasoning, helping you tackle complex moral dilemmas – an essential skill for law. 
  7. Psychology: Understanding human behaviour and motivations can be incredibly beneficial in law. Psychology helps you analyse how individuals think and act, which is crucial when dealing with clients, witnesses or jury members.
  8. Economics: A solid foundation in economics is useful, especially if you’re interested in areas like commercial law or tax law. It helps you understand the principles that govern markets and financial systems, which are often relevant in legal contexts.
  9. Sciences: While it might not be an obvious choice for law, studying a science subject can significantly develop your logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Science teaches you to approach problems methodically, conduct research, and analyse data – invaluable skills in legal practice.
  10. Business Studies: If you’re leaning towards corporate law, Business Studies can provide valuable insights into how businesses operate and the legal frameworks they must navigate.

What’s the best A Level combination for Law?

While individual subjects are important, universities also value the right combination of subjects. A mix of essay-based subjects (like English or History) with more analytical ones (like Maths or a Science) can show that you’re well-rounded.

For instance:

  • English Literature, History, and Maths: This combination balances critical analysis and logical reasoning, showcasing your ability to craft arguments while developing problem-solving skills.
  • Government and Politics, Philosophy, and a Modern Language: This mix offers a solid grounding in political systems and ethical reasoning, alongside valuable communication skills in another language, which can be particularly useful in international law.
  • Psychology, Economics, and Biology: This combination provides insights into human behaviour and economic principles, as well as scientific reasoning. It’s especially beneficial for those interested in criminal law or health law.

Some students also consider four A Levels. While this can be a rewarding challenge demonstrating confidence in your academic abilities, stay mindful of the workload. Four A Levels showcases your dedication and capability. However, it’s way better to achieve three strong grades than spread yourself too thin and end up with four mediocre ones. Focus on quality. Universities appreciate a solid performance over sheer quantity.

Is Law A Level “soft”?

This is a common debate that boils down to the question: is Law A Level well-respected?

Well, Law isn’t necessarily “soft” or easier than other A Levels. It is well-respected, but doesn’t carry the same weight as more traditional subjects like History, Maths or English Literature. 

That said, taking Law A Level can give you a head start in understanding basic legal concepts and terminology. If you’re passionate about the subject, there’s no harm in taking it. Just balance it with more traditional A Levels to show your academic rigour. If you’re up for the challenge, it could be a perfect option for a fourth subject.

What A Levels do you need for Law at Oxford?

Oxford University is the dream for many aspiring lawyers, and for good reason. With a rich history dating back to the thirteenth century, the Oxford Law Department is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world, producing influential legal scholars and practitioners who’ve shaped the field.

If you’ve got your eyes on this esteemed university, know they don’t require specific A Levels for law. But they do have high expectations (think A*s or As). For a BA in Jurisprudence, Oxford only recommends a “subject involving essay writing”.

So, you could choose subjects like:

  • English Literature
  • History
  • Philosophy
  • Mathematics

Law A Level isn’t necessary, but it won’t hurt as long as it’s paired with other “facilitating” subjects.

You’ll also need to prepare for the LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test) and an online interview. The admissions process tests your ability to formulate arguments and think on the spot, so your A Levels should help you develop the critical thinking abilities to ace it. 

What A Levels do you need for Law at Cambridge?

To study Law at Cambridge, the requirements are similar to Oxford. They don’t have any specific subject requirements, but want students who’ve taken (and excelled in) traditional subjects like English, History and Languages. These A Levels show you can handle complex material and craft well-reasoned arguments.

Like Oxford, Cambridge doesn’t require Law A Level, but it can be useful if taken alongside other strong subjects.

In terms of grades, most Cambridge Law students achieve at least A*A*A at A Level. They’ve normally studied at least one of English Literature, History and Modern Languages. According to Cambridge’s admissions data, other common subjects for Law applicants include:

  • Economics
  • Law
  • Maths or Further Maths
  • Psychology
  • Science
  • Classical Civilisation
  • Geography
  • Politics
  • Music
  • Philosophy or Religious Studies
  • Sociology

If you’re applying to Cambridge, remember you’ll also need to take the LNAT and submit written work, depending on the college 

For more help choosing universities, check out our guides to the easiest and hardest universities to get into in the UK as well as your complete list of London universities.

Can I do Law with bad GCSEs?

Bad GCSE grades certainly aren’t the end of the world, but they can make things harder. Universities (especially the top Russell Group unis) expect strong GCSEs for competitive courses like Law. This means you’ll normally need at least a Grade 6 in both English Language and Maths.

If your GCSEs aren’t the best (for instance, if you’ve just scraped a 6), you can still bounce back by acing your A Levels and performing well on entrance exams (like the LNAT). If you failed core subjects like English and Maths, remember GCSE retakes or alternative academic pathways are also available.

Do Law firms ask for GCSEs?

Surprisingly, yes! Just like universities, law firms look at GCSE results when you apply for internships or training contracts. They tend to focus on Maths and English Language, expecting at least a grade 6 or higher in these subjects.

Strong GCSEs show consistency in your academic performance and suggest you’ve got a solid foundation for a legal career. So, while your GCSEs might feel like ancient history by the time you’re applying for jobs, they’re still relevant.

Can I study Law with bad A Levels?

A Levels are super important when it comes to law degrees. Most top universities ask for A*s or AAA at A Level. So if your grades fall short, your options might be limited. 

That being said, you can still study law at some fantastic universities with lower A Level results. For instance, the University of Sussex and the University of Kent accept AAB while the University of Law only asks for BBB.

 

If your grades aren’t up to scratch, you could look into alternative routes like taking a foundation year, resitting exams, or applying to universities with lower entry requirements via UCAS Clearing. 

 

And if you’re still preparing for A Levels, don’t worry. We’ve got plenty of resources on revision timetables, time-blocking techniques and tips for getting straight As. It’s not too late to turn things around!

Do law firms look at A Levels?

 

Like universities, top law firms expect strong A Level results – especially if you’re applying for competitive summer placements or graduate schemes. Your degree classification (for instance if you’ve got a First Class degree or a 2:1) matters more, but A Levels are still important!

Big firms like Linklaters, Slaughter and May, and Allen & Overy are all about legal excellence, so if you’re aiming for the big leagues, it’s all about consistently high performance.

How much do Lawyers earn in the UK?

So we’ve made it to the burning question: how much can you make as a lawyer? It varies, but depending on the type of law you practise and where you’re based, expect starting salaries around £25,000-£30,000. Experienced professionals easily earn £60,000 or more.

Here are a few examples:

  • Newly qualified solicitors in regional firms earn around £25,000 to £40,000. If you land a job at a big London firm, though, salaries can start at £60,000 or higher.
  • Experienced solicitors at top firms can earn upwards of £100,000, and partners at the most prestigious firms can earn £1 million or more annually.
  • Barristers’ salaries vary depending on their area of law and experience. Junior barristers might start around £20,000 to £40,000, but top barristers can make £200,000 to £500,000 or more.

It’s a profession with a wide pay range, but if you work your way up in a top law firm, it’s one of the highest-paying graduate careers.

How do I qualify as a Lawyer in the UK?

There are a few routes to becoming a qualified lawyer in the UK. We’ll cover this in detail in our step-by-step guide to becoming a lawyer. But as a rough overview, you’ll need:

  1. A law degree (LLB) or a non-law degree followed by a conversion course (such as the GDL). 
    1. Note: The GDL is currently being phased out. However, individuals who began their law degree or GDL before September 2021 can still qualify through the traditional pathway until December 2032.
  2. Passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) if you’re aiming to be a solicitor, or completing Bar training for barristers. There are also now opportunities for non-graduates to apply for SQE training.
  3. Completing a period of work-based training. This involves a two-year training contract for solicitors or a one-year pupillage for barristers.

Degree apprenticeships are also becoming more common as an alternative route into Law. These unique courses let you work and study, gaining practical experience alongside your university degree. They take longer (five to six years) but could save you from student debt!

Need help navigating your Law career path?

Choosing the right A Levels, acing your exams, and plotting your path to becoming a lawyer can be  challenging. But you don’t have to do it alone.

At Academic Coaching, we offer study skills and exam coaching, university application coaching and academic life coaching to help you reach your full potential. Whether you’re preparing for A Levels, writing your personal statement, or gearing up for the LNAT, our expert coaches will guide you.

 

Take control of your future. Contact us today to start your journey toward becoming a lawyer.