Demystifying Legal Careers

Navigating the legal profession can often be daunting due to the wide range of career paths it offers. Many individuals have to search extensively for information on each pathway, needing help understanding the breadth of opportunities within the legal field. Traditionally, we have been socialised to believe that law school, followed by a training contract or bar training, is the sole route to becoming a solicitor or barrister. However, the legal profession has evolved significantly, and alternative routes have emerged, offering flexibility and accessibility for aspiring legal professionals. In this article, we aim to demystify these diverse pathways and clarify the various options available for pursuing a legal career.

The Traditional Path to Becoming a Solicitor

Many individuals often struggle to distinguish between solicitors and barristers. Typically, solicitors serve as primary advisors for legal matters. However, when a case demands specialised expertise, they may refer the client to a barrister. Both solicitors and barristers provide legal counsel and can represent clients in court, although barristers primarily focus on advocacy, particularly in higher courts.

To become a solicitor through the traditional pathway, one must obtain a qualifying law degree. Following this, aspiring solicitors can either complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or the Solicitor Qualifying Exam (SQE), with the SQE gradually becoming the preferred route as the LPC is set to be phased out by 2023. The SQE required candidates to pass two stages of exams (SQE 1 and SQE 2) and complete two years of qualifying work experience (QWE). Candidates are allowed up to three attempts for each exam, and all retakes must occur within six years of the initial attempt.

The SQE can be costly. As of September 2024, the combined cost of both assessments is £4,790 for self-funded candidates. For those unable to self-fund, certain law firms may offer sponsorship. Alternatively, a masters level SQE preparation course could grant access to postgraduate loans from SFE, which provide up to £12,167 for the 2023/24 academic year. However, not all SQE providers are linked to universities offering this loan option. Additionally, some scholarships are available to help offset the cost of studying.

Solicitor apprenticeship

A solicitor apprenticeship offers an alternative route for secondary school leavers to obtain a law degree or equivalent master's qualification. One of its key advantages is that it allows participants to avoid student debt. Law firms fully cover the cost of education, enabling apprentices to “earn while they learn”. However, the programme is longer than the typical 3-4 year LLB, often taking six years or more to complete. Balancing work and study can be challenging, and entry into these programmes is highly competitive. Many law firms, such as Allen & Overy and Travers Smith, set high academic standards that typically require AAB at the A-level.

The Conversion Course

If you haven’t studied law at the undergraduate level and decide later you want a career in law, a law conversion course offers a viable pathway into law. The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) is designed for graduates without a qualifying law degree who wish to enter the legal profession. This route is popular because it allows students to pursue an undergraduate degree in a subject they enjoy while still being able to transition into law.

After completing the GDL, aspiring solicitors can proceed with the LPC or the SQE, followed by a training contract. For those aiming to become barristers, the following steps are the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) and a pupillage.

While the GDL offers flexibility, it does have some drawbacks. It may not be recognized outside the UK, which could limit your ability to practise law internationally. Additionally, the course can be expensive, ranging from £5,000 to £12,000. Since SFE may not cover these costs, students can explore other funding options such as private loans, scholarships or securing a law firm sponsorship before starting the GDL. Many firms will cover tuition fees and may even offer a maintenance grant to support living expenses.

The traditional path to becoming a Barrister

To become a barrister the traditional way, you must first earn a law degree. Afterwards, you must complete the BPTC which has a 44%-55% pass rate. Following this, you will join one of the four inns of court and complete ten qualifying sessions. Once called to the bar, you will undergo 12-18 months of practical training, known as a pupillage. You would then seek out a permanent position at a set of chambers, referred to as tenancy.

The cost of the BPTC typically ranges between £13,000 and 19,040. While scholarships are one of the most common funding options- many of which are offered by the inns of courts- you could also work part-time during your studies or seek financial support from family. In some rare instances, local authorities may provide funding assistance.

Many choose the barrister route due to the greater level of professional independence it can offer. However, the majority of barristers are self-employed, which means they have to build their client base. This can lead to financial instability, especially during the earliest stages of their careers.

There are now many pathways into law beyond the traditional route of attending university to study law. Aspiring lawyers and barristers now have more diverse options to enter the legal profession, allowing for greater flexibility in pursuing their careers.