How to become a Solicitor?
The path to becoming a solicitor is in a process of
change. A new route known as the Solicitor Qualifying Exam (SQE) was introduced in Autumn 2021 but you may still be able to take the traditional
route of a Legal Practice Course (LPC) .
It’s a confusing time to know what to do for the
best. Should you follow the traditional LPC route or
undertake the new SQE? …There is no straight forward answer, and it will
certainly depend on your own circumstances and preferences, but there’s a few
reasons why it’s worthwhile considering the Legal Practice Course (LPC) before it’s replaced entirely
by the SQE route.
What is the LPC and is it still relevant?
The LPC is what’s known as the traditional vocational
route originally required to become a solicitor. Aspiring solicitors taking the
LPC route need to complete both the academic and vocational stages of training.
The academic stage is achieved by either a qualifying undergraduate law degree,
or a non-law degree with either the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or Common Professional
Examination (CPE). The vocational stage is achieved by completing the LPC,
a 2-year training contract and the Professional Skills Course. The Solicitors Regulation Authority(SRA) has confirmed that LPC approvals will be extended until at least the
end of the academic year 2025/26, although institutions may not necessarily
continue running their LPC courses until 2025/26.
The LPC is well understood and regarded by employers. It continues
to be offered by well-respected institutions like Northumbria University that
remain approved by the SRA and allow you to study the topics you are most
interested in, which is something you may not be able to do on an SQE course.
As well as covering certain core modules, you will be able to choose LPC
elective modules. For instance, if you’re interested in practicing family law
when you qualify you can choose modules related to your future specialism.
Often LPC Courses, like that at Northumbria provide additional
benefits such as access to pro-bono opportunities with legal
charities, and offer similar in-practice work opportunities such as the Student Law Office. There is also the advantage of being
taught by research active, experienced practitioners providing the very latest
knowledge from both the academic and professional worlds. Access to on-campus
facilities such as mock courtrooms and dedicated postgraduate study areas is
also an added benefit.
So what’s the SQE?
Unlike the CPE/GDL and LPC, the SQE is not a course instead
it’s a series of exams that must be taken to become a solicitor. The first SQEexams took place in November 2021 and had a pass rate of 53%.
The SQE is a national assessment for anyone who wants to
qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. The route differs from the LPC
as it’s broken down into two assessment stages- SQE1 & SQE2. SQE1 tests
legal knowledge and SQE2 tests practical legal skills. You will also need to
carry out two years of qualifying work experience (QWE), but, unlike a training
contract, this can be undertaken with up to four different legal providers and
a greater variety of experience can count. The QWE can be carried out before,
during or after the SQE assessments.
The SQE aims to provide a fair and consistent assessment for
all candidates regardless of whether or not they have studied a law degree, the
type of QWE they have done or even if they have undertaken a new route to
qualification like the solicitor apprenticeship. In time, it will replace the
LPC entirely.
Your options
Under the SRA’s rules, anybody can choose to do the LPC if, before 1
September 2021, they had completed, started, accepted an offer of a place or
paid a non-refundable deposit for one of the following:
GDL/CPE;
the
LPC; or
a
training contract.
Many people will still therefore be able to qualify via the
LPC route, although they could take the SQE if they wish to do so. If you already have some qualifying work experience, such as working as a paralegal, then the SQE is a quicker way of becoming a solicitor. The LPC certainly
remains a viable and recognised route to becoming a Solicitor and it just might
be the right choice for you.
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LPC (Legal
Practice LLM and Legal Practice Postgraduate diploma)
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SQE (Professional
Legal Practice LLM)
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Eligibility
requirements
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Completed or completing a Qualifying Law Degree or a non-law
degree followed by the Graduate Diploma in Law/Common Professional Examination.
Must have started or accepted an offer on your
law degree, GDL or training contract before September 2021.
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Completed or completing a Qualifying Law Degree or a non-law
degree followed by the Graduate Diploma in Law/Common Professional Examination
Anyone who started their law journey after
September 2021 must qualify this way.
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Work Experience
required throughout the course
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A
formal 2-year training contract is the most recognised route to becoming
qualified with the LPC
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2 years of
Qualifying Work Experience are necessary (QWE). This is more flexible than
with the LPC, as up to 4 employers and paid or voluntary work can count
towards this. Work experience can be carried out before, during or after the
SQE Assessments.
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Type of assessment
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A mixture of open
and closed book exams as well as some coursework, can vary based on
institution.
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A series of
external standardised exams including 2 five-hour exams and 16 skills
assessments
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If you would like further information about the
LPC or SQE, please leave your details below or visit our Legal Practice
Course page (LPC) or Professional legal practice course page (SQE)
