Lawyer Training

Becoming a lawyer offers a challenging career that begins with your training. In order to practice as a lawyer in the UK you will need a recognised qualification.

What qualifications do I need to train?

Good grades are required throughout your academic studies in order to undertake lawyer training and  become a lawyer. The most recognised route into the profession is to get top marks in GCSEs (A, B grades) and A-levels before studying a university degree in law.

What other experience do I need for Lawyer Training?

Additionally, work experience opportunities within a law firm will be highly beneficial prior to your practice. Some courses will also enable you to work in a law firm as you train to become a lawyer.

Are there different training routes to become a lawyer?

The most common training route to become a lawyer will be to study at a university aiming to obtain a 2:1 honours degree. A 2:2 may be accepted if you have a good base of relevant work experience and skills to offer.

If you have a non-degree law, you may still be able to start training but you’ll have to take a conversion course known as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), or the Common Profession Examination (CPE). There’s also the optional route of working as a legal executive as per the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX).

If you have graduated in a non-law degree subject you can also qualify as a lawyer by taking the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) before embarking on the LPC/BPTC. This will prepare non-law graduates for a legal career as it covers the foundations of law, namely contract, tort, criminal law, equity and trusts, EU law, property law and public law.