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Pathways to Qualification

4 February 2025

Historically, the path to becoming a lawyer was clear: attend university, complete a Law Degree, and then take the Legal Practice Course (LPC) to qualify as a solicitor. However, times are changing, and so is the route to legal qualification.

There are now additional paths to becoming a lawyer:

1. Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE)

   Law graduates can now pursue qualification through the SQE, a new route that represents the most significant shift in solicitor training in nearly 30 years. Eventually, the SQE will replace the LPC.

   To qualify, candidates must pass two assessments: SQE 1 and SQE 2, and complete two years of qualifying work experience (“QWE”), which replaces the traditional training contract that has followed the LPC. After successfully completing the SQE exams and QWE, candidates will be eligible to become solicitors.

For more information on organisations that provide SQE 1 and 2 training, please visit https://www.sra.org.uk/become-solicitor/sqe/sqe-training-options/training-provider-list/

1. Chartered Legal Executive through CILEX
   
   Another route is qualifying as a Lawyer through CILEX (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives). You can pursue this after completing a Law Degree, but even if you don’t have a degree, you can become a lawyer via CILEX. This route allows you to earn while you learn, gaining practical legal experience without the costs associated with university.

   By pursuing the CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ) route, you will first qualify as a paralegal and then an advanced paralegal. These designations will provide increasing responsibilities, higher earnings, and valuable hands-on experience.

   For more information, visit https://cpq.cilex.org.uk/.

2. Solicitor Apprenticeship
   
   Aspiring Solicitors in England can now take an apprenticeship route. This requires passing the SQE and meeting the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) suitability standards. Currently, Solicitor apprenticeships are not available in Wales.

   There are two apprenticeship routes: the Trailblazer Apprentice and the Graduate Apprentice.

   • Trailblazer Apprenticeship
     
     This pathway typically takes five to six years to complete and can begin after A-Levels. It’s a great option for those who prefer to ‘earn as they learn,’ providing a practical alternative to university. As with all routes, candidates must pass the SQE. The apprenticeship costs (including SQE training) are covered by the apprenticeship levy fund, and at least 20% of the training (e.g., one day a week of studying or SQE preparation) must be completed outside of the workplace.

     Upon completion, candidates will have a Level 7 qualification (equivalent to a Master’s degree) and will qualify as a Solicitor once they pass the SQE and meet the SRA’s requirements.

Entry Requirements:

1. • • 5 GCSEs, including Maths and English (Grade C or above, or Grade 4 and above for qualifications after 2017)
     • 3 A-Levels (or equivalent), minimum Grade C

Some employers may also accept candidates who have already completed legal training, such as a Law Degree, the LPC, or a Paralegal Apprenticeship, and may not require the full 5-6 years of training, depending on prior experience.

1. • Graduate Apprenticeship
     
     This apprenticeship is aimed at graduates, typically taking 2-3 years to complete. The duration counts towards the QWE required to become a Solicitor. As with the Trailblazer route, candidates must pass both parts of the SQE, and at least 20% of the training must be undertaken outside the office.
     Upon completion, candidates will qualify as Solicitors if they pass the SQE and meet the SRA’s standards.

Entry Requirements:

• A Level 6 undergraduate degree is required to join a Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship.

For more information on apprenticeships, please visit https://www.gov.uk/education/further-and-higher-education-skills-and-vocational-training

This article was written by Redkite Solicitors,  Emma Wilson To find out more about Emma and the support that she can provide to you, visit her website profile here: https://www.redkitesolicitors.co.uk/team/emma-wilson/