Fortunately for anyone who wants to become a solicitor there are quite clear routes to getting a job. Providing you put in the time & effort you should be able to become a solicitor & get a law job.
In order to train to become a solicitor there are some unavoidable prerequisites. The simplest path is to gain is a law degree from an accredited university. Once you have completed your degree in law you are perfectly qualified to begin the process of becoming a lawyer.
However, often people are unsure of their career intentions when they choose their subject of study at university. This needn’t be a problem though, anyone with a degree should be able to carry out a one year conversion course. This builds on experience you have gained in your current degree but introduces you to all aspects of law & the knowledge you would need to train to become a solicitor.
If you don’t have a degree this doesn’t prevent you from becoming a solicitor. Provided you have some extensive legal experience, such as working for a law firm in a non-legal position you may be qualified by experience. The route to becoming a solicitor is slightly different to those taken by graduates but the Institute of Legal Executives provide a combination vocational & comprehensive academic courses to prepare you to become a solicitor.
No matter which route you take to get to this stage now everyone is required to take the Legal Practice Course (LPC) which takes one academic year, if you are working full time or two for those studying part-time. Places on the course themselves can be quite competitive at the most highly regarded institutions & universities but you wouldn’t be hugely disadvantaged by taking the course where ever is most convenient.
Once you have completed the LPC, aspiring solicitors are required to apply for two year trainee positions at a legal firm or an organisation like the Crown Prosecution Service. Competition for these positions is high, especially at the top law firms. It’s vital to polish your CV & brush up on your interview skills to make the best impression.
Though the training courses & exams are finished, during the traineeship you will still have to pass the Professional Skills Course (PSC) before you can become a solicitor proper. The course takes an equivalent 12 days & covers three compulsory courses plus a number of elective courses.
Once you’ve ticked off all these boxes on your to do list you will have your “Admission to the Roll” you can apply for a “practising certificate” which enables you to offer legal advice & represent your clients.
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