What qualifications do you need to be a trainee solicitor?

Nov 06, 2022

Written By Lawrence Topley

Applications for training contracts are competitive, so having the necessary qualifications is key. This article will explore not only what qualifications you need to secure a job as a trainee solicitor but also what firms will look for in your degree and extracurricular activities.

Qualifications

In order to become a trainee solicitor you must first secure a training contract, a period of training in a law firm. Provided you hold a degree or equivalent qualification, you can apply for a training contract. Note many firms require you to have gained or be predicted a minimum of a 2:1.

Both law and non-law graduates will have to complete either the SQE or LPC. Note that the LPC is being phased out, and you can only choose to take the LPC if you started, accepted a place on or completed the CPE, GDL or a law degree before September 1, 2021. If you meet these requirements, choosing between the LPC and the SQE depends on the firm’s requirements, as well as considerations like cost, time and accessibility.

Alternatively, you may qualify for a trainee solicitor role with an apprenticeship such as a paralegal or solicitor apprenticeship. Some firms will require you to have A-Levels at AAB or equivalent, and a few might require good GCSE grades. However, firm’s will take mitigating factors into account if you don’t meet their requirements.

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Reserve Spot

I’m a non-law graduate - Will I be at a disadvantage?

The short answer is no. Law firms are not looking for extensive legal knowledge, but at the skills you have and the person you are. If you can show that your degree has given you skills and tools to thrive as a trainee solicitor such as attention to detail and problem solving, it may even prove an advantage.

What will firms look for alongside my qualifications?

The firm will also want to know your interests and hobbies. Very often the majority of applicants will have strong academic results. What will set you apart are your experiences and activities outside of your studies.

Non-law graduates should also look to gain some experience in the legal industry. Don’t be afraid to ask a local law firm for some work experience, or get involved with your university’s law society. This will show firms your commitment to understand and work in the legal industry, whilst giving you the chance to see if law is the career for you.

Commercial Awareness

Regardless of your degree, firms will want candidates that have a good level of commercial awareness. This is a buzz word in the industry and students can be confused as to what this really means. At a basic level, it means understanding how businesses work and how the economy interacts with business.

Successful candidates will keep up to date with the world of business and be able to demonstrate how this could affect the firm. Therefore, no matter what degree you have read, this is a crucial skill in gaining a training contract. You can develop your commercial awareness by reading the news and thinking critically about what you’ve read.

Overview

A combination of factors go into securing a training contract. The sheer amount of applicants for limited places means competition is fierce. In order to become a trainee solicitor, you will need to have an undergraduate degree in any subject or an equivalent apprenticeship. Whilst some firms may look at previous qualifications, such as GCSEs or A-Levels, this is becoming less common.

Due to the competition, it is likely nearly all candidates will have a strong academic record and so in order to gain these roles you will have to stand out from the crowd. This can be done by gaining relevant work experience, and taking part in extracurricular activities such as sport or volunteering.

Finally, don’t be afraid of rejection. Most current solicitors were rejected many times during the process and it is seen as a natural part of gaining a training contract. Just remember to be aware of the skills firms are looking for, and match these with what you have learnt on your degree and how your personal experiences demonstrate them.

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