Solicitor

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• the traditional solicitor qualifying route until 2032

University

In order to qualify, you must:

• take an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification , in any subject
• pass part 1 and 2 of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE)
• complete 2 years (or equivalent if part-time) qualifying work experience
• meet the character and suitability requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

Though your degree does not have to be in Law, you will need some legal knowledge to pass the SQE.

To study Law at some universities you'll need to pass the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) .

Entry requirements:

• 3 A levels or equivalent

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do a solicitor degree apprenticeship to qualify as a solicitor.

This route usually takes around 5 to 6 years and you'll need your employer's support to do it.

You'll also need to take the SQE, demonstrate relevant work experience and meet character and suitability to practice requirements.

Entry requirements:

Work

You could start with a legal firm and do on-the-job training like the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) Level 6 Professional Diploma in Higher Law and Practice.

You would then need to:

• pass parts 1 and 2 of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE)
• show you have 2 years of qualifying work experience , or equivalent if part time
• meet the character and suitability requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

OtherRoutes

If you started a qualifying law degree , Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or Legal Practice Course (LPC) before 2021, you will be able to continue to qualify as a solicitor by the traditional route until 2032.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• excellent verbal communication skills to work with different people
• active listening skills
• analytical thinking skills for working on complex cases
• knowledge of English language for explaining legal matters to non-experts
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• customer service skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• persuading skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• business management skills
• knowledge of human resources and employment law
• concentration skills
• a good memory
• maths skills

What you'll do:

Solicitors advise clients about the law and act on their behalf in legal matters.

In this role you could:

• advise and represent clients in court
• instruct barristers or advocates to act for clients
• draft confidential letters, contracts and legal documents
• research legal records and case law
• attend meetings and negotiations
• manage finances and prepare papers for court
• use plain English to explain complex legal matters to clients
• keep up to date with changes in the law

Location : You could work in an office, in a court, in a prison or at a police station.

Salary:

Starter : £25,000
Experienced : £100,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 50 hours a week

Working Pattern is on call at short notice

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a partner in a private practice firm of solicitors. As a commercial solicitor, you could manage an in-house legal department.

You could use your legal training in the armed forces. You can find more information at:

• Army
• Royal Air Force