You’re interested in a legal career – whether that’s because you want to advocate for others, solve complex problems, make a positive impact, or build a rewarding professional career.
But how do you actually become a lawyer in the UK?
The answer depends on both the type of lawyer you want to become and where you want to practise. In the UK, "lawyer" is a broad term that includes solicitors, barristers, chartered legal executives and other qualified legal professionals. It's also important to note that England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland each have their own legal systems and qualification requirements.
In this guide, we focus on the route to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales, which is the second biggest legal system in the world and is commonly used in international arbitration cases as well as global contracts.
How Do You Become a Solicitor in England and Wales?
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the route to qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales. Introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in 2021, it provides a more flexible route into the profession and enables candidates from a wider range of academic and professional backgrounds to qualify.
To qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales, you must:
- Hold a degree or equivalent qualification
- Pass SQE1 exam
- Pass SQE2 exam
- Complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
- Meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements
Let's look at each stage in more detail.
Step 1: Obtain a Degree or Equivalent Qualification
You need to have a degree in order to book onto the SQE1 exam. In the UK, an undergraduate degree is a level 6 qualification. You can also do a level 6 legal apprenticeship, or hold qualifications from another country – if you're an overseas student, you will have to get your qualification or degree verified when you register with the SRA. Read more about eligibility and exemptions as an international candidate.
One of the biggest changes brought by the SQE route is that you no longer need to do a conversion course (such as the GDL/PGDL) if you studied a non-law degree. You can qualify with a degree in any subject, provided you meet the SRA's eligibility requirements. This opens the profession to graduates from a wide range of academic backgrounds and recognises the value of diverse skills and experiences in legal practice.
Some candidates still want to get to grips with the basics of law before starting to prepare for the SQE1 exam. BARBRI's Foundations in Law course is designed to help non-law graduates, overseas lawyers and those returning to legal study develop a solid understanding of the legal system in England and Wales, common legal terms and legal research, before beginning SQE preparation.
Step 2: Pass SQE1
SQE1 assesses your Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK).
The assessment consists of 360 single best answer multiple-choice questions, split across two examinations:
- FLK1 – day 1
- FLK2 – day 2
These assessments test your ability to apply legal knowledge to realistic client scenarios across a broad range of practice areas.
The volume of content covered by SQE1 is significant. Success requires more than memorisation; candidates must understand legal principles and learn how to apply them when faced with several plausible answers.
SQE assessments are online in the form of multiple-choice questions, administered by Kaplan on behalf of the SRA, and offered at Pearson VUE test centres in the UK and internationally.
To prepare effectively, most candidates undertake structured SQE training. BARBRI's SQE1 Prep course combines a personalised study plan, thousands of practice questions, video lectures, workbooks and one-to-one learning coach support to help candidates build the knowledge and exam technique required for success.
Learn more about our SQE1 Prep course
Step 3: Pass SQE2
Once you have passed SQE1, the next stage is SQE2. SQE2 assesses practical legal skills and your ability to apply legal knowledge in realistic professional situations.
The assessment covers:
Oral Skills
- Client interviewing
- Advocacy
The oral assessments must be taken in person in England and Wales.
Written Skills
- Legal research
- Legal writing
- Legal drafting
- Case and matter analysis
The written component is done online at a PearsonVue centre anywhere in the world.
Many candidates find SQE2 preparation most effective when it combines skills training with opportunities to practise realistic assessment scenarios and receive detailed feedback. BARBRI's SQE2 Prep course includes course material, skills sessions, mock assessments and personalised feedback designed to help candidates develop confidence before exam day.
Find out more about our SQE2 Prep course
Step 4: Complete 2 Years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
To qualify as a solicitor, you must complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience.
One of the advantages of the SQE route is its flexibility. Unlike the traditional LPC training contract model, QWE can be completed:
- Before the SQE assessments
- During SQE study
- After passing the SQE
QWE can be gained across up to four different organisations in a variety of legal environments, including:
- Law firms
- In-house legal teams
- Legal clinics
- Charities
- Other organisations providing legal services
This means that existing legal experience, such as paralegal work, may count towards qualification if it meets the SRA's requirements.
For many candidates, combining work and study is an effective way to progress towards qualification. BARBRI's fully online preparation courses are designed to provide flexibility for candidates balancing legal work, study and other commitments.
Read more: Qualifying Work Experience (QWE): Your Questions Answered
Step 5: Meet the SRA's Character and Suitability Requirements
The final step is admission as a solicitor. Once you have passed SQE1 and SQE2 (or applied for and received an exemption) and completed 24 months of QWE, you can apply to the SRA for admission to the roll of solicitors.
The SRA will assess your character and suitability to ensure you meet the standards expected of the profession. This includes reviewing matters such as criminal convictions, financial conduct and other relevant considerations.
Successful applicants are admitted to the roll of solicitors and receive a practising certificate, allowing them to practise as a solicitor in England and Wales.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Solicitor?
The time required varies depending on your route.
Factors include:
- Whether you already hold a degree or are on an apprenticeship pathway
- When you complete your QWE
- Whether you study full-time or part-time
- Whether you're from another country, which might take more time for the character and suitability checks
Because QWE can be completed before, during or after the SQE assessments, you can tailor your qualification journey to fit your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Become a Solicitor Without a Law Degree?
Yes. The SQE route allows graduates from any academic discipline to sit the SQE exams and apply to be admitted.
Can I Become a Solicitor Through an Apprenticeship?
Yes. Solicitor apprenticeships provide an alternative route to qualification that combines paid legal work with study and assessments.
Can Overseas Lawyers Qualify in England and Wales?
Yes. Depending on your qualifications and experience, you may be eligible for exemptions from parts of the qualification process.
What is Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)?
QWE is two years of legal work experience gained through up to four organisations and confirmed by an appropriate solicitor or compliance officer.
Is the SQE Difficult?
The SQE is a demanding assessment that tests both legal knowledge and practical legal skills, as it prepares you for day one of being a newly qualified solicitor. Most candidates benefit from structured preparation and practice before sitting the assessments. Also read: How Difficult Is the SQE Exam?
What is the Difference Between a Solicitor and a Barrister?
What is the difference between a solicitor and a barrister?
Can I Practise in Ireland or Scotland if I'm a Qualified Solicitor in England + Wales?
Yes, once you have qualified in England and Wales, the Law Society of Ireland allows you to apply for a Certificate of Admission without having to take another exam, and you can take the Intra-UK transfer test to practise in Scotland.
What's Next?
Qualifying as a solicitor is a significant achievement, but it's also the beginning of your legal career. Solicitors must renew their practising certificate each year and maintain their professional competence throughout their careers.
BARBRI SQE Prep students receive access to employability support, including CV and interview preparation, career guidance, job boards and employability resources designed to help you take the next step and find QWE or your first role as a qualified solicitor. Meanwhile, you can register for our free portal, HeadStart, with some of the above resources.
Ready to start your journey? Explore our SQE preparation courses
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