If you're in your 30s, 40s or 50s and thinking about a career change, you may have found yourself asking: Can I become a lawyer at 30? Am I too old to become a solicitor at 40? Is 50 too late to start a legal career? We get these questions all the time too – and the answer is YES you can become a lawyer in your 30s, 40s and 50s – and no, it’s not too late!
Today, thanks to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), the legal profession is more accessible, flexible and welcoming to career changers than ever before. Whether you’re coming from business, education, healthcare, tech, humanities, the military or any other industry, your experience is not only valid, it's exactly what many law firms are looking for. Skills like commercial awareness, client relationship management, problem-solving and emotional intelligence are in high demand, and often developed over years in other roles.
A New, Flexible Path Into Law
The SQE route offers a streamlined, standardised way to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales, and it works for people who haven’t followed the traditional path.
To qualify as a lawyer, you need to:
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Hold a degree: Any undergraduate degree (or equivalent Level 6 qualification) meets this requirement.
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Pass SQE1 (legal knowledge) and SQE2 (practical legal skills): SQE1 tests your understanding of core legal principles through multiple-choice assessments, while SQE2 focuses on practical legal skills such as advocacy, client interviewing, legal drafting and writing through written and oral assignments.
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Complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE): It can be gained in up to four different roles at different employers, including pro bono, paralegal work, legal clinics or volunteering, and it doesn’t need to be completed consecutively.
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Meet the SRA’s character and suitability requirements: This is a standard check by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to ensure all aspiring solicitors are fit to practise.
It’s a structure that offers flexibility, especially as it is delivered online with part-time study options designed for those with jobs, families and other commitments.
Ali Yaacoub, a former business professional, chose the SQE route after discovering law through work. “If someone had told me ten years ago that I would pursue a career in law, I would have found it hard to believe. Law was never part of my initial career aspirations, even during my early professional years.
“My journey into the legal field began somewhat unexpectedly after completing my Master’s degree in Management. While searching for job opportunities in my home country, I came across a role in the legal sector. What began as a chance encounter gradually developed into a genuine interest, as I gained more experience and insight into the field. Over time, my passion for law grew, and I became determined to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales”, he says.
After passing both SQE1 and SQE2 on his first attempt, Ali now works as a Legal Manager at a leading UK charity.
Facing the Practicalities
Retraining into law in midlife is not without its challenges. Finding QWE, balancing study with other responsibilities, and competing with recent graduates can be daunting.
One of the most common concerns for career changers is whether they’ll be overlooked in favour of younger law graduates when applying for roles or QWE. While it’s true that traditional routes still dominate at some firms, more and more employers, particularly smaller firms and in-house teams, value the experience, professionalism and client-facing skills that mid-career candidates bring. The key is to be proactive, start building legal experience, and frame your previous background as an asset. That’s why understanding and communicating your value is so important. For many, it’s their experience, not their legal background, that makes them stand out.
Gray, who transitioned into law after working in medical technology, found that the SQE allowed him to enter the profession on his own terms. “The SQE opened up the legal profession to people like me who don’t come from a traditional legal background. It’s much more practical and accessible. Anyone who applies themselves and is ambitious enough can become a solicitor.”
At BARBRI, Gray found not only a course, but consistent, personal support. “I found BARBRI’s team to be much more approachable and responsive than what I experienced at a conventional university. At university, lecturers often do their lectures and then disappear, leaving students with little opportunity for further questions. With BARBRI, I never waited more than 24 hours for a response to any of my questions. Even if I prefixed a question with ‘this might sound like a stupid question,’ they were always incredibly supportive and took the time to explain things thoroughly. The personalised support was a huge benefit and really helped me feel confident in my studies.”
Your Experience is an Advantage
Changing careers doesn’t mean starting from scratch. If you’ve managed projects, negotiated contracts, worked with clients, or solved complex problems, you already possess skills that law firms value.
Damon Neale, an entrepreneur and media graduate, found this to be true after launching The Law Corner, a charity that offers free legal advice. His business experience, he says, was directly applicable to his legal ambitions: “I’ve always been focused on solving complex problems and in my consultancy work, I had to interview clients to understand their needs, design solutions, and implement strategies. These skills – strategic thinking, communication, and problem-solving – are incredibly transferable to the legal profession. Even in my legal charity work, I had to apply these skills when advising clients, managing cases and researching legal issues.”
Damon used his pro bono work at The Law Corner to count towards his QWE. For him, the goal wasn’t just qualification; it was impact: “I wanted to formalise my qualifications so I could give legal advice independently, without requiring a review by a qualified solicitor. That’s when I decided to pursue the SQE.”
How to Make the Leap Successfully
If you're considering taking this step, here are some key tips to get started:
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Clarify your 'why'
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Your motivation will help shape your story and it's something that firms and employers will want to understand
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Start small
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Volunteering, pro bono work or remote legal experience can help build confidence and count towards QWE
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Choose the right provider
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Flexibility and support matter – especially if you're balancing study with work or family
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Use your network
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Reach out to other career changers, connect on LinkedIn, join groups like Later On Lawyers
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Translate your skills
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Take time to identify and reframe your past experience in legal terms as this will strengthen both your confidence, and your CV.
But, Can I Really Become a Lawyer at 30, 40 or 50?
Yes. The profession is evolving, and so are the people entering it. Law needs professionals with perspective, maturity and the confidence to guide others through complex situations. That might just be you.
When we recently spoke to law firms as part of our BARBRI Barometer report, they told us they’re looking for people with strong skills in:
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Client relationship management
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Commercial awareness
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Emotional intelligence
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Problem-solving and communication
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Adaptability and time management
These aren’t always taught in law school, they’re developed through real-world experience.
How BARBRI Supports Your Journey
Our SQE Prep courses are built with accessibility and flexibility in mind, offering the structure and support you’ll need to succeed.
Courses are fully online and part-time, so you can study around work, family or other commitments. You’ll follow a Personal Study Plan (PSP) that breaks down the learning into clear, weekly goals, helping you stay focused and make steady progress.
As Ali Yaacoub, explains: “My advice to future lawyers is to stay consistent and trust the process. Whether or not you come from a legal background, take the time to build a strong foundation and don’t be discouraged by setbacks – they’re part of the journey. If you’re following the SQE route, make full use of resources like BARBRI’s PSP, which helps structure your learning and keeps you on track.”
Our team is always on hand to help and you’ll get personalised feedback, access to thousands of practice questions and mock exams, and expert support across both SQE1 and SQE2, all delivered by experienced legal professionals.
If you need to resit (hopefully not), we’ll support you through that too, because life happens, and progress doesn’t have to stop.
You’ll also have access to excellent employability resources like articles, webinars and job boards, plus a one-to-one career consultation. And you’ll become part of our alumni network, with access to in-person networking events and other opportunities.
Explore BARBRI’s flexible SQE Prep course and take the first step toward your future in law.
Quick Answers: Career Change to Law
Can I become a lawyer at 30, 40 or 50?
Yes. The SQE route allows individuals to qualify as solicitors at any age, regardless of previous career background.
Do I need a law degree?
No. A degree in any subject is acceptable to begin the SQE process.
Is 40 too old to become a solicitor?
Absolutely not. Many people qualify in their 40s and 50s, bringing valuable life and professional experience to the legal profession.
How long does it take to qualify?
Typically between 2 and 3 years, depending on how quickly you complete the SQE exams and accumulate your Qualifying Work Experience.
Do law firms hire mature trainees?
Yes. Many firms value the professionalism, reliability and broader perspective that career changers bring.
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