FAQs
It's possible to become a solicitor with a 2.2 degree but you may need to be more creative in your job search.
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You'll find solicitors' firms all over the country - on your local high street, in large towns and cities and in the City in London. Although many of the skills required by firms are the same clients vary in size and stature.
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It's not impossible but you'll need to find an employer that supports this arrangement. You'll need to complete your training contract within four years if you're working part time.
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Deciding which branch of the profession to choose is the first and most important step
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Competition for training contracts can be stiff and recruiters expect excellence from candidates, so you'll need top-notch grades as well as soft skills if you want to secure a graduate job as a solicitor.
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There are different entry routes to the solicitors' profession outside England and Wales, both in terms of undergraduate and postgraduate study, so make sure you're on the right track at this stage.
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Starting salaries for trainee solicitors vary considerably. Don't let yourself be blinded by the numbers however, as many firms offer wider benefits packages including gym membership, private healthcare and pension schemes.
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Solicitors are involved in a huge range of work, from banking deals and government work to defending and prosecuting people accused of crimes and helping people through family break-ups.
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There'll be variety, plenty of challenges and a steep learning curve, but there's no denying that you'll have to work hard. However, being part of a project or transaction can be very rewarding.
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As a solicitor you'll provide advice, work closely with individuals and organisations and liaise with other legal professionals. Most solicitors work in firms, which can vary in size from huge City firms to those found on the high street of any town.
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A training contract is your last step on the way to becoming a solicitor. You'll develop practical legal experience in a number of different practice areas by spending time in different departments of a law firm.
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It's possible to become a solicitor with a non-law degree, although you'll need to do a conversion course to bring you up to speed in academic law. This course is the CPE (common professional exam), also known as the GDL (graduate diploma in law).
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The legal practice course (LPC) is the vocational stage of legal training, providing a grounding in legal practice as well as legal skills. It's studied after a law degree or conversion course, and before starting a training contract.
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There's a set process to follow if you want to become a solicitor. It includes academic and vocational stages and a period of on the job training known as a training contract.
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You'll have responsibilities right from the start of your training contract, but as you progress you'll take on more clients and projects. Eventually you may have the chance to become a partner and own part of the business.
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Solicitors are well known for having to do occasional all-nighters and weekend work, but it's still possible to have a life as a solicitor, particularly if you work in a quieter area of practice or outside the City.
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In addition to high academic achievement, there are some essential skills and qualities recruiters will be looking for in potential trainees solicitors, including communication skills and commercial awareness.
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Tasks vary according to your practice area but you'll have real responsibilities right from the start. You'll also find yourself working with a wide variety of clients and legal professionals as well as professionals from other fields.
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Forward planning is essential - you need to start applying for your training contracts two years before you want to start and there are deadlines to meet along the way.
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You'll be in an office but the atmosphere will vary depending on the kind of firm. Regardless of the size of the firm, however, you will have to be professional at all times.
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