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NOTE: The way in which solicitors will train and qualify will change once the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) takes effect.Â
Graduate Diploma in Law (the GDL)
If, on completion of a non law degree you decide you want to pursue a career in law, you must complete a law conversion course such as the GDL. This effectively ‘upgrades’ your existing degree to a qualifying ‘law degree.’ You will spend 1-2 years studying all the compulsory modules of a law degree including tort, contract law, constitutional law, EUÂ law, property law and equity and trusts.
Click on the link to find out more –Â Graduate Diploma in Law or Law Conversion Course
If you have completed a qualifying LLB law degree or the GDL the next step is to take the plunge and decide which career path you want to tread. This is where the road splits, so to speak.
The Legal Practice Course (the LPC) – Solicitor Law Courses
If you decide to become a solicitor, you will need to complete the LPC. The LPC is 1-2 year a vocational course designed to equip you with skills (such as interviewing, advocacy and legal research) and legal knowledge (in areas such as business, litigation and property law) which are required to successfully practice as a solicitor.
Click on the links to find out more:
Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) – Barrister Law Courses
Should you decide that the court room is more your thing and you want to train as a barrister, you will need to complete the BPTC. The BPTC is a 1-2 year vocational course designed to arm you with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully practice as a barrister.the study of evidence, litigation, sentencing and advocacy are just a few of the topics you will cover.
For further detail click on the links:
CILEx – Chartered Legal Executive Law Courses
If you decide that you would like to practice as a Chartered Legal Executive, the next step is to enrol on the CILEx Graduate Fast-track Diploma to set you on your way. The Fast Track Diploma takes between 9-15 months to complete and covers
For more information click on the links
LLM – Masters Law Courses
If you decide that you would like to continue on a more academic path, deepening your knowledge in a particular area of law, you may want to consider an LLM.
For full details of what an LLM entails, click on the link:
Law Apprenticeships
If university just isn’t your thing or you are keen to avoid costs associated with higher education, you may want to consider applying for a legal apprenticeship. Completeing a law apprentiship will lead to qualification as a paralegal, chartered legal executive or solicitor.
Legal apprenticeships can be commenced following A-Level study and essentially involve  a combination of learning on the job alongside some academic study.
To find out more about apprenticeships, click on the link:
CILEx Law Courses
There are even opportunities to start your legal career following completion of GCSEs. You can enrol onto a two year CILEx Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice, following which you can advance onto a two year CILEx Level 6 Professional Higher Diploma in Law and Practice.
To get the full lowdown on chartered legal executive courses and practice, click on the links:
How to become a Chartered Legal Executive
Wondering what the different pathways to law are?
Whether you’re looking to complete an apprenticeship after your GCSEs or the LPC after your LLB law degree, there are many different routes to law – whether you’re interested in becoming a barrister, solicitor, paralegal or chartered legal executive. See all the legal profiles here.
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