Your route to becoming a solicitor

Whether you’re a graduate, already working in law or just starting your legal journey, find out how to qualify as a solicitor in a way that fits your goals and lifestyle.

Find your starting point

Where are you starting from?

I have a degree

I have a law degree

Compare your Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) preparation options and find the course that fits your study preferences and career plans.

Browse SQE courses →

I have a degree in another subject

Conversion is optional under the SQE route, but a course or employer may require it. We'll help you understand whether a conversion course is the right next step for your goals.

Convert your degree to a law degree →

I have taken an SQE exam

I have passed SQE 1

You've completed the first stage of the SQE. Explore SQE2 preparation and build the practical legal skills needed for the final assessment.

Prepare for SQE 2 →

I have passed SQE 1 and SQE 2

You’ve completed the assessment requirement. Check what remains to be completed before applying for admission as a solicitor.

Check next steps ↓

I need to retake an SQE assessment

Review your results and identify areas for improvement so you can approach your next attempt with confidence.

Speak to an expert ↓

I work in law, or wish to study while working in law

I'm already working in law

Check whether your legal work could count towards qualifying work experience (QWE), and who can confirm it.

Plan your QWE →

I want to work and study at the same time

Explore solicitor apprenticeships or find out how you could qualify through your current employer while continuing to earn and gain experience.

Explore legal apprenticeships →

Not sure which route is best for you?

Our expert law advisers can help plan your route to becoming a solicitor.

Get in touch

How to qualify as a solicitor

Build the judgement AI can’t replace

AI can draft, search and summarise – but it can't take responsibility for legal advice. As you gain experience, you'll develop the judgement, ethics and decision-making skills needed to assess information critically, verify its accuracy and make informed professional decisions in line with your organisation’s policies.

AI can support the work. Responsibility stays with the lawyer.

Explore AI in legal practice →

Understanding the bigger picture

Plan your qualifying work experience (QWE) early

The SQE is just one part of qualifying as a solicitor, although it's often the most visible because it involves assessments, results and exam fees.

You'll need two years' full-time equivalent QWE to qualify as a solicitor. This can be completed across up to four organisations, may be paid or unpaid, and can run alongside your studies, so it's worth planning both from the outset. Use the steps below to help make sure your experience meets the SRA's requirements.

Check your work is eligibleYour work experience must involve real legal services and the opportunity to develop at least two solicitor competences. Your job title alone doesn’t decide whether it counts.

Keep a recordRecord your legal work, the dates you completed it and the competences you’ve developed. The SRA provides a template, but you can use any format that records the required information.

Arrange confirmation A solicitor of England and Wales or a Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) must confirm your QWE. This verifies the nature and length of your experience, rather than assessing that you are competent to practise.

Plan your SQE and QWE together

Qualifying work experience (QWE) can be completed before, during or after the SQE assessments. If you're already working in a legal role, your experience may count towards the two years required.

Learn more about QWE →

Things to consider

Before relying on a role or opportunity to meet your QWE requirement, remember to check that it's eligible and can be confirmed. Careers, pro bono and placement opportunities vary by programme, and QWE, training contracts and employment cannot be guaranteed.

Passed both SQE assessments?

Check the remaining steps before applying for admission.

Have your degree or equivalent validated.
Complete and confirm the required qualifying work experience.
Meet the SRA’s character and suitability requirements.

If you're already a qualified lawyer, you do not need to complete QWE. Check the SRA’s guidance before taking any further steps.

Check the SRA's admission requirements

Qualify while working in law

A solicitor apprenticeship combines paid employment with study, so you can build legal experience, prepare for qualification and earn a salary at the same time. Whether you're a school leaver starting your career or already have a degree, there's a route that could work for you.

To apply, you'll need to meet the programme entry requirements and have employment with a suitable organisation. Funding eligibility is assessed separately.

I don’t have a degree

Start your journey with the LLB Solicitor Apprenticeship, where you’ll prepare for the SQE and gain practical legal experience while working towards a law degree.

Explore the school leaver route

I’m a graduate

With our practice-based Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship, you’ll prepare for the SQE, develop real-world legal skills and get dedicated performance coaching while you work.

Explore the graduate route

Frequently asked questions

If you can’t find the answer to a question, our advisers will be happy to help.

How long it takes to qualify as a solicitor depends on whether you choose to study full time, part time or via an apprenticeship. For those who’ve undertaken an LLB and choose to study full time, it takes at least 6 years to qualify as a solicitor, including your training contract or qualifying work experience. If you’ve studied a different degree, you’ll need to factor in additional time to study a law conversion course as well.