Becoming a solicitor

Got a question about your career in law? Let us help.  Post it on our Facebook forum or Ask NCLT.

Why become a solicitor?

The role of a solicitor can be both challenging and rewarding.  The work is often varied and can be well paid with good career progression.  Many solicitors work in private practice such as high street firms, regional firms, large commercial/city firms or niche firms which specialise in an area of law.  You will need to consider which type of practice suits your skills, personality and ambitions.  For example, large city firms can offer attractive salaries but you may be required to work long hours.  There are also other career options available for solicitors (see Alternative Careers in Law section of the careers zone).

Skills needed to become a solicitor:

• Career motivation - genuine interest and broad knowledge of law
• A logical mind with an aptitude for problem solving
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Good academic record (the degree subject is not as important as the grade)
• Meticulous when it comes to attention to detail
• A team player and the ability to work/relate to others on all levels
• The ability to demonstrate discretion, assertiveness and integrity 
• A flair for handling difficult people and situations

Your route to becoming a solicitor

Law degree route

Taking an LLB and then an LPC is the traditional and quickest route to becoming a solicitor.  Law firms will take into consideration the class of degree you achieve. In particular larger city firms, when recruiting, often ask for a minimum 2:1 honours degree.

NB. Law firms DO NOT take into consideration where you take your LPC in the recruitment process.

GDL route

If you studied a non-law degree and would like to become a lawyer, you will need to do a conversion course known as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) also known as the Common Professional Examination (CPE). The GDL is labour-intensive, but a high percentage of lawyers who enter the profession take this route.

ILEX Fellows route

The ILEX route offers the opportunity for those from a variety of educational backgrounds to become an ILEX lawyer. Fellows of ILEX may be exempt from taking a training contract.  Full details can be obtained on the SRA website.  ILEX qualifications are highly valued by employers and those who work as executive lawyers undertake many of the legal activities that solicitors do.