How to become a solicitor without a law degree
There are four things you’ll need to qualify as a solicitor through the SQE. You must have:
1. A university degree or equivalent in any subject (law or non-law).
2. Pass the character and suitability assessment set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
3. Pass SQE1 and SQE2.
4. Have two years’ qualifying work experience (QWE).
The Solicitors Regulation Authority introduced the SQE back in 2021. Here is your essential guide in becoming a solicitor without a law degree.
Aspiring solicitors are required to obtain a degree and successfully complete both SQE1 and SQE2 - (Our recommendation is, therefore, to give yourself at least 9-12 months to prepare for the exams (both SQE1 & SQE2). Additionally, they must accumulate two years of qualifying work experience. The SQE1 assessment consists of slightly over 10 hours of closed-book Single Best Answer Questions (SBAQs), which are multiple-choice questions that necessitate a well-informed decision among various viable options. However, in order to pass both SQE1 and SQE2, most individuals will likely opt for professional training courses such as the SQE1 Prep Course and the SQE2 Prep Course.
This means that studying for the SQE assessments is a serious time and financial commitment, which should not be taken lightly). Non-law graduates who wish to pursue these courses must first acquire the foundational legal knowledge necessary. Many choose to undertake a conversion course such as the PgDL, MA Law (Conversion), or MA Law (SQE1).
It is important to note that the SQE itself is not a course of study but rather an examination. As with the previous pathway, preparation courses are offered in various formats to accommodate individual circumstances.
In contrast, the previous pathway required aspiring solicitors to complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and a two-year Training Contract in practice. To commence the LPC, students were required to have a Qualifying Law Degree or pass a conversion course like the GDL. The transition from completing a non-law degree to starting a training contract would typically involve two years of full-time study. However, this pathway was deemed inflexible and potentially hindered access to the legal profession.
How Long?
The duration required to become a solicitor in the UK varies depending on the chosen path. The SQE assessments are scheduled at specific times throughout the year, and if a student enrolls in preparation courses for each assessment, this phase of training will take approximately one academic year, which is the same duration as the Legal Practice Course (LPC). Similarly, non-law graduates will spend an academic year completing a conversion course initially. However, individuals have the option to reduce the time taken by skipping a course (although this is not recommended) or by opting for a shorter course like the SQE Law Essentials conversion course.
Can continuing professional education elevate a legal career?
The SQE offers flexibility and choice, allowing students to decide how they want to approach the SQE assessments. However, most students typically follow the traditional route of completing a conversion course followed by a vocational course. The qualifying work experience provides individuals with the opportunity to gain relevant experience in a broader context compared to the previous training contracts, thereby enhancing flexibility and accessibility. The Single Best Answer Questions (SBAQs) aim to reduce the emphasis on traditional exam skills such as composition and essay writing, and instead focus more on the practical application of law and judgment. The University's PgDL program aims to address these skills while still placing importance on critical thinking and communication skills, which are highly valued by students and employers.
You may be pondering whether it is possible to pursue the SQE without holding a law degree.
The answer is affirmative. One of the key modifications introduced by the SQE system is that solicitors are not required to possess a law degree or its equivalent in order to qualify. However, in order to successfully complete the SQE assessments, candidates must have a comprehensive understanding of the law in England and Wales. These courses will assist you in preparing for the challenges presented by both SQE1 and SQE2.
The SQE is specifically tailored for individuals aspiring to become solicitors. The majority of students who pass SQE 1 & 2 typically proceed to complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience before officially becoming qualified solicitors. It is important to note that this work experience can be acquired in a non-linear fashion.
What Employers Really Think
Employers in the legal field, highly value individuals who are transitioning from other careers or who have not pursued law degrees. Those coming from non-legal backgrounds bring a wealth of experience and expertise, along with a fresh passion for the legal profession. While embarking on your conversion course, it is essential to remain patient as it may take some time to adjust to thinking like a lawyer - however, the rewards are certainly worth the effort. Clifford Chance and A&O Shearman have recently joined the ranks of magic circle law firms increasing pay for newly qualified (NQ) solicitors to £150,000, following similar moves by their counterparts in recent weeks.
There are other pathways available for those interested in pursuing a career in law. If you are currently undertaking a law degree, GDL, or training contract, there are transition arrangements available until December 2032. These arrangements will enable you to become qualified as a solicitor through the existing routes. In the future, you may also consider enrolling in a Solicitor apprenticeship program. This could include options such as a Level 7 Solicitors Apprenticeship for individuals who have completed A-levels, or a Solicitor Graduate Apprenticeship for those who have already obtained a first degree.
Would you consider an online law degree?
Djakhongir Saidov (Professor of Commercial Law) and Anat Keller (Lecturer in Law) from The Dickson Poon School of Law, King’s College London weigh up the the advantages and disadvantages of online learning.
Published by: www.lawyer-monthly.com - June 27th, 2024
