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SO YOU WANT TO BE a lawyer? (solicitor edition)

  • Writer: SUIT & CASE
    SUIT & CASE
  • Jul 23, 2020
  • 2 min read

Updated: Sep 28, 2020

Article by Vasilena Zapryanova


Do you want to become a solicitor but don't know where to start? Are you interested in finding out the different routes to success in the law field? Then you are in the right place!




When going into first year of law school I was clueless about the job a solicitor does and the way one becomes a solicitor. Becoming a solicitor is quite different from the other industries as the application cycle starts 2 years in advance. This also means that if you graduate without a training contract, you either need to fund the LPC yourself (costing between 9,000 GBP - 17,000 GBP).



THE TRADITIONAL ROUTE


  • Undergrad - 3 years

  • If your undergrad is not a qualifying degree then complete the graduate diploma in law (GDL) - 1 year

  • Legal practice course (LPC) - 1 year and very expensive without a TC

  • Training contracts (TC) - 2 years on the job training

  • Apply for a job and to the SRA for admission to the roll of solicitors


THE CHANGES

  • From 2021 the Solicitor's Qualifying Exam (SQE) will replace the LPC/TC route and there will be no need to study the GDL

  • The current route will run alongside it for a while

  • SQE stages:

1) Assesses the legal knowledge through MCQ's

2) Assesses legal skills through practical exams

  • Minimum 2 years qualifying work experience (QWE) which can be up to 4 employers and include Pro Bono


VACATION SCHEMES

  • Many firms recruit for their TCs from vac schemes: 1-3 week work experience programmes

  • They are very competitive, top commercial law firms receive around 3000 applications for 60 places

  • Opportunity to experience a firm's culture and learn

  • Many Vac Schemes this summer have either been postponed, cancelled or turned virtual due to coronavirus


SOLICITOR APPRENTICE

  • Another route to becoming a solicitor is to train as a solicitor apprentice (as an alternative to university)

  • This takes between 6-7 years

  • This route is becoming more recognised by law firms and competition among school leavers is fierce


 
 
 

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