Becoming a solicitor is a highly sought-after career path in the United Kingdom. It is a profession that requires dedication, hard work, and a strong understanding of the law. Many individuals aspire to become solicitors, but the question that often arises is, how long does it take to become a solicitor?The answer to this question is not straightforward as it depends on various factors such as your educational background, work experience, and the route you choose to become a solicitor. In this article, we will explore the different paths one can take to become a solicitor and the time it takes to achieve this goal.
The Traditional Route
The traditional route to becoming a solicitor involves completing a law degree, followed by the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and then a two-year training contract with a law firm.This route is also known as the graduate route as it is typically taken by individuals who have completed their undergraduate studies. The first step towards becoming a solicitor through this route is to obtain an undergraduate degree in law. This can take three to four years depending on whether you choose to study full-time or part-time. Once you have completed your degree, you will need to enroll in the LPC, which takes one year if studied full-time and two years if studied part-time. After completing the LPC, you will need to secure a training contract with a law firm. This is essentially an apprenticeship where you will work under the supervision of qualified solicitors and gain practical experience in different areas of law.
A training contract typically lasts for two years, bringing the total time for this route to five to six years.
The Non-Graduate Route
If you do not have an undergraduate degree in law, you can still become a solicitor through the non-graduate route. This route is also known as the chartered legal executive route and is a popular choice for individuals who have been working in the legal sector for some time. The first step towards becoming a solicitor through this route is to become a chartered legal executive. This involves completing the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) qualification, which can take up to four years. Once you have completed this qualification, you will need to enroll in the LPC and then secure a training contract, similar to the graduate route. The main difference between the graduate and non-graduate routes is that with the non-graduate route, you can work as a chartered legal executive while completing your LPC and training contract.This means that you can gain practical experience and earn a salary while working towards becoming a solicitor. The total time for this route is five to six years.
The Apprenticeship Route
The apprenticeship route is a relatively new path to becoming a solicitor. It was introduced in 2016 as part of the government's drive to increase access to the legal profession. This route is similar to the traditional route, but instead of completing an undergraduate degree, you will work as an apprentice in a law firm while studying for your law degree and LPC. The apprenticeship route takes longer than the traditional route, with an average time of six years.However, it offers the advantage of gaining practical experience while studying, which can be beneficial in securing a job after qualification.
The Timeframe for Becoming a Solicitor
As we have seen, the time it takes to become a solicitor depends on the route you choose. However, there are other factors that can affect the timeframe, such as the time it takes to secure a training contract and pass the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), which will replace the LPC from September 2021. The SQE is a new assessment that all aspiring solicitors will need to pass to qualify. It consists of two stages, with the first stage focusing on legal knowledge and the second stage focusing on practical skills. The SQE is expected to take around two years to complete. Therefore, if you choose to become a solicitor through the traditional route, it can take anywhere between seven to eight years from the start of your undergraduate degree to qualification.For the non-graduate route, it can take six to seven years, and for the apprenticeship route, it can take eight to nine years.
In Conclusion
Becoming a solicitor is a long and challenging journey that requires dedication and hard work. The time it takes to become a solicitor depends on various factors, including your educational background, work experience, and the route you choose. However, with determination and perseverance, anyone can achieve their goal of becoming a solicitor.So, how long does it take to become a solicitor?
The answer is not set in stone, but on average, it can take between six to eight years. However, with the introduction of the SQE and other changes in the legal sector, this timeframe may vary in the future.If you are considering a career as a solicitor, it is essential to research and understand the different routes available and choose the one that best suits your circumstances.
