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Law

Solicitor

Solicitors advise individuals and organisations on the law and act on their behalf. Most now qualify through the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), via a university or apprenticeship route.

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Career fit

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Entry level
£30,000 (starter)
Mid-career (typical)
£30k – £80k
Senior / lead
£80,000 (experienced)
What you'll do

A day in the life

  • Advise clients on legal issues
  • Draft contracts, letters and legal documents
  • Research law and case precedents
  • Negotiate on behalf of clients
  • Prepare cases and attend court or tribunals
The path

Your career roadmap

Every milestone from school to senior. Track progress as you complete each stage.

  1. 1

    GCSEs / Level 2

    education
    Usually 2 years at school; adult courses vary

    Build English, numeracy and analytical skills through GCSEs or equivalent qualifications before progressing towards degree entry.

  2. 2

    A Levels or equivalent

    education
    Usually 2 years; Access courses often 1 year

    Complete A levels or another accepted Level 3 qualification to meet entry requirements for a degree in law or another subject.

  3. 3

    Undergraduate degree

    qualification
    Usually 3 years full-time; longer for some courses

    Complete an undergraduate degree in any subject, developing research, reasoning and communication skills relevant to legal practice.

  4. 4

    SQE preparation

    education
    Often 6–18 months; varies by background and study pattern

    Prepare for SQE1 legal knowledge assessments and SQE2 practical skills assessments through structured study, practice questions and skills exercises.

  5. 5

    SQE1

    qualification
    Two assessment days in a scheduled window

    Sit the two SQE1 assessments, answering multiple-choice questions that test applying legal knowledge to realistic client situations.

  6. 6

    SQE2

    qualification
    Usually five assessment days across a scheduled window

    Complete SQE2 oral and written assessments covering practical legal skills, including interviewing, advocacy, research, drafting and client advice.

  7. 7

    Qualifying Work Experience

    experience
    At least 2 years full-time equivalent

    Complete two years' full-time-equivalent qualifying legal work across up to four organisations, before, during or after the SQE assessments.

  8. 8

    Solicitor / admission

    role
    Allow several weeks; complex suitability checks may take longer

    Apply for admission as a solicitor in England and Wales after meeting qualification, work experience, screening, and character and suitability requirements.

What you need

Skills you'll build

Qualifications
  • Degree or equivalent (or accepted equivalent experience)
  • SQE1 and SQE2
  • Qualifying Work Experience
  • Solicitor apprenticeship (Level 7)
Certifications
  • SRA admission as a solicitor
  • Law Society membership