Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
How to become a solicitor
Help individuals or businesses navigate through troubled times or complicated legal matters by becoming a solicitor. Using your professional training and knowledge of the law, you’ll help them negotiate, deal with disputes, get justice, protect themselves and much more.
What is a solicitor?
A solicitor’s life is often varied and challenging, dealing with different clients and legal matters every day. If you want to become a solicitor, you can choose to specialise in a range of fields, such as personal and property law, commercial and corporate law or in the protection of people’s rights. You’ll listen to their situation, offer bespoke advice and support them through any further course of action.
What qualifications do you need to become a solicitor?
The requirements to become a solicitor have changed, with all prospective solicitors now starting their studies having to take and pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). This is a requirement of the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Before you sit the SQE two-part assessment, you’ll also benefit from some other qualifications in order to become a solicitor, and you may wish to undertake an SQE prep course:
- Undergraduate degrees - whilst the Solicitors Regulation Authority does not require aspiring solicitors to have a law degree, a law degree is still considered the most relevant undergraduate course. Minimum entry requirements are usually five GCSEs (grade C or above) including English and maths, plus at least two A levels. It’s worth noting, however, that you can still enter the profession if you hold a degree in a subject unrelated to law
- Postgraduate degrees - if you already have a degree but it’s not in law, you can undertake a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or the Common Professional Examination (CPE) conversion course. These are both full-time courses taken over one year. Again, whilst the study of a 'conversion' course is not compulsory, it will assist you as an aspiring solicitor as part of your preparation for SQE. The Bar Standards Board (BSB) no longer requires the study of a 'Qualifying Law Degree' (QLD), however, the study of what are referred to as the 'legal foundations of knowledge' is still required before the vocational stage of bar training. Leeds Law School's GDL course and our LLM version meet this requirement
- Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) - as well as passing SQE 1 and SQE2, to qualify as a solicitor you’ll also need to have two years of relevant work experience under your belt, which can be paid or voluntary. This can include any placements during your law degree, plus experience gained through legally-grounded roles in a law clinic / centre or charitable organisation, or through paralegal work or a training contract, from no more than four different QWE providers
What does a solicitor do?
As a solicitor you’ll act as your clients’ representative, standing up for their legal interests using your expert knowledge of the law. Your work might involve dealing with contentious cases, where you defend your client against another party, or non-contentious, where the focus is on personal or business matters such as mergers or setting up wills and trusts.
From everyday issues such as property transactions, divorce and contracts, to more complex legal issues such as employment tribunals, you’ll work with your clients and other professionals in order to secure the best possible outcome.
There are lots of different types of solicitor, so your duties will vary depending on your own professional career path, but here’s a look at some of the most common aspects of working as a solicitor:
- Consulting with clients and taking their instructions
- Advising clients of the legalities around their situation
- Researching and collating information
- Creating legal documentation such as wills, contracts, letters etc.
- Negotiating with other involved parties and their representatives
- Liaising with barristers and other professionals and advocates
- Keeping meticulous records of every client and case
Becoming a solicitor could be for you if...
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You’re inquisitive and conscientious
The law is complex and ever-changing, so you need to be able to absorb and understand a great deal of in-depth information, and keep up-to-date as legislations are introduced or adjusted.
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You’re flexible
Every day is different when you’re a solicitor, so you need to be able to adapt to different cases, clients and circumstances quickly and with ease.
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You’re articulate
You’ll need to be able communicate complex and detailed information clearly and to a high standard, both verbally and in writing.
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You’re good with people
You’ll be dealing with people’s most personal affairs, often during difficult times with a lot of high emotion, so you need to be able to develop a strong rapport and win their respect.
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You have integrity
Ethics are at the heart of a solicitor’s role, so you need to be principled and have plenty of personal integrity.
What are the typical working hours for a solicitor?
There’s no such thing as standard working hours when you become a solicitor! While your practice may operate set opening hours, you’ll often be working late or at weekends behind the scenes – 12-hour days are not uncommon.
While you may work some long hours, the role of a solicitor also comes with a lot of job satisfaction, making a positive difference to your clients’ lives on a regular basis.
£27,000 - £60,000 is the average starting salary range for a solicitor.
£60,000 - £90,000 is the average starting salary for larger, city-based commercial firms.
£100,000+ for partners or in-house head of department positions.
