Qualifying as a solicitor has traditionally been a lengthy (and for many, unachievable) process. Although the complex nature of qualification remains the case today, welcome development has widened routes available for aspiring lawyers, and this article will detail the ways into the profession. Whilst the customary university route is still perhaps the most popular, alternative pathways such as degree-apprenticeships and gaining work experience as a paralegal before undertaking a training contract are steadily becoming more sought-after.
The flexible CILEX route to becoming a solicitor remains available until December 2032, and has grown in recognition over the past few years. If you have commenced the Post Graduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) or the Legal Practice Course (LPC) before 2021, this also remains a valid route to qualification until 2032.
Why become a solicitor in the first place?
Working as a solicitor offers intellectually rich and diverse opportunities, presenting you with valuable transferable skills and strong prospects for career progression. Not only does the profession provide you with in-depth knowledge about the world we live in, but also allows you to engage in stimulating and insightful debate with your peers.
If you thrive when working within a team setting towards a meaningful goal, and think you would enjoy immersing yourself in a field with increasingly diverse specialisms that make a tangible difference to clients, then qualifying as a solicitor would be extremely rewarding. Strong communication skills, along with impressive analytical and problem-solving techniques are essential aspects of a solicitor’s everyday role – if you believe these are particular skills of yours, then becoming a solicitor would allow you to demonstrate and enhance them.
Four ways to become a solicitor
Qualifying as a solicitor requires commitment, as it takes a minimum of 6 years (and many candidates take significantly longer). The traditional University route to the SQE and training contract is perhaps the most straightforward, but training positions are in high demand, making this unrealistic for many students. Other pathways are now available, but can be upwards of 6 years.
University (Law degree)
The University pathway to qualification typically involves completing an undergraduate LLB over the course of 3-4 years. For some LLB courses, you may be required to pass the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT), and most universities will mandate 3 A Levels (or their equivalent). It is also possible to study a non-law degree followed by completion of the Post-Graduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) or other equivalent law conversion course over one year (full-time) or two years (part time) as you must have legal knowledge in order to sit the SQE exams.
After attaining the relevant qualification, study for SQE1 and SQE2 may begin, although you do not have to undertake the SQE exams immediately after graduation. SQE1 consists of two multiple-choice exams, whereas SQE2 focuses on advocacy, and you must pass both exams in order to commence qualifying work experience. Qualifying work experience generally means completing a training contract at a law firm in which you will gain experience in different seats before deciding what to specialise in. The final step before formal qualification is to ensure you are compliant with SRA regulations.
Legal Apprenticeships
Of course, not everyone desires the university experience, and many choose instead to undergo a legal apprenticeship in which you earn while gaining practical experience. This is generally referred to as a Solicitor Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship, which is equivalent to a masters degree and open to anyone aged 18 or over. It includes completion of a law degree within this time, taking between 5-6 years before attaining a qualification. It requires 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and Maths and 3 A Levels (or equivalent) at minimum grade C. If this is the route for you, the SQE2 exams will also need to be passed, but the apprenticeship work will count as the mandatory 2 years of qualifying work experience (a training contract).
Apprenticeships are a particularly attractive route as they enable you to build up relationships with your colleagues, allowing you to contextualise your learning. This has actually led to a higher pass rate on the SQE2 exams – 87% in 2025. Graduate apprenticeships can also be undertaken.
Legal Practice Course (LPC)
The LPC was the final stage of training in order to qualify as a solicitor. If you have started a qualifying law degree or equivalent before 2022, this is the standard route until December 2032. It is generally considered to be a hands-on qualification, allowing you to adapt to working life as a trainee. You can study the LPC either part-time (up to 2 years) or full-time (1 year), or even take an accelerated course lasting about 7 months, meaning it is flexible to your own lifestyle.
The LPC covers key practice areas that are essential for a legal career, such as commercial litigation, employment law, criminal law, and property. By undertaking the LPC, you will also develop your skills in areas such as legal drafting, interviewing clients, and advocacy with the intention of producing well-rounded and competent trainees.
However, the Solicitors’ Qualifying Exam (SQE) has been gradually phased in by the SRA, and is a two-part assessment with a greater variety of study taking less time to complete. This will eventually become the only option for qualifying.
Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX)
A Chartered Legal Executive is a legal professional with specialist experience in a particular area of law, qualifying through more affordable work-based learning and internal. Their job typically consists of advising clients, drafting documents, and occasionally accompanying clients to court. They may cross-qualify as a solicitor through the Chartered Legal Executive Equivalent Means Route until December 2032. This is only possible if you have started a qualifying law degree, the CPL/PGDL, or the LPC before September 2021.
A period of qualifying work experience will not have to be completed if you can meet the SRA’s academic stage requirements during any study undertaken (or any granted exemptions); if you have completed the LPC; or if you have completed the key elements of the Professional Skills Course. You must also provide evidence of your status as a Chartered Legal Executive member in order to complete qualification.
Chartered Legal Executives may qualify as a solicitor through the SQE route if the LPC is not possible to undertake, and you must pass both SQE1 and SQE2. You must then record 2 years of qualifying work experience, although your experience as a CILEX member would typically satisfy this.
