Becoming a solicitor

Training to become a solicitor requires a great commitment over a number of years. If you are interested then research to find out as much as you can about what a career as a solicitor is really like. Talk to solicitors you know in the profession and try to get some work experience

Understanding the realities

To succeed as a solicitor, you need to be determined and highly motivated. It will take at least three years to train if you are a law graduate, at least four years if you are a non-law graduate and at least six years if you are not a graduate.

You will need to show you have the academic ability to cope with a demanding course; compete with very able people to win a place; meet the costs of qualifying; find a firm that will supervise you in a training contract while you complete your training; have a strong interest in and aptitude for the work of a solicitor.

Qualifying as a solicitor is not easy. You will face the intellectual challenge of exams and you will have to fund your studies. Many trainee solicitors finish their training with debts. Others are not able to finish their training because they cannot get a suitable job. There is no guarantee of getting a job either as a trainee or as a solicitor. However, some students are sponsored through part of their studies and the great majority of students who pass the Legal Practice Course qualify and enjoy successful careers.

The role of the Law Society

The Law Society is the representative body for solicitors in England and Wales to provide support at every stage of training, qualifying and throughout your career as a solicitor. The Junior Lawyers Division of the Law Society offers a range of services for students and trainees and newly-qualified lawyers. For more information visit www.lawsociety.org.uk/juniorlawyers