Who is a solicitor?
A solicitor is a qualified legal professional who provides legal advice, prepares documents and manages communication with clients.
Solicitors work closely with individuals, businesses and organisations, usually within a law firm. In complex disputes, they instruct barristers to represent clients in court.
How to become a solicitor
There are several routes to qualification:
Traditional academic route
• Complete a qualifying law degree.• Complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC), soon to be replaced by the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).• If you studied a non‑law degree, complete the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), now known as the PGDL, followed by the LPC or SQE.• Complete a two‑year training contract, gaining experience across departments, including both contentious and transactional seats.• Complete the Professional Skills Course (PSC) during your training contract.
CILEx route
If you do not have a degree, you can qualify through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives while working in legal practice.
Solicitor apprenticeship
A solicitor apprenticeship is a six‑year paid programme undertaken after A‑levels. Apprentices work in a law firm while studying part‑time for a law degree and qualify as solicitors at the end of the programme.
Positives of becoming a solicitor
Solicitors enjoy a structured working environment and collaborate closely with colleagues. If you enjoy teamwork, this may suit you well.
Solicitors can represent clients in court, particularly in lower courts, although barristers are usually instructed for higher‑court advocacy.
There is a wide range of firms to choose from, including City, international, niche and high‑street practices. More than 200 firms offer training contracts each year.
Solicitors benefit from a steady income, workplace benefits and financial stability, which many find appealing.
Negatives of becoming a solicitor
The rise of technology and artificial intelligence has raised concerns about automation in legal work. Some tasks traditionally carried out by solicitors, such as drafting simple wills, are now offered through self‑service platforms. However, firms increasingly integrate technology into practice rather than replace solicitors entirely.
Some may find the work repetitive compared with courtroom advocacy. Solicitors also do not choose their clients; cases are allocated through the firm.
The role remains demanding and often stressful, requiring resilience and strong organisational skills.
Who is a barrister?
A barrister provides specialist legal advice and represents clients in court. Barristers typically specialise in a particular area of law and work independently within chambers. Advocacy is central to their role.
How to become a barrister
The route to qualification includes:
• A qualifying law degree or equivalent at 2:2 or above.• Joining an Inn of Court before starting vocational training.• Completing the Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT).• Completing the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), including 12 qualifying sessions with your Inn.• Being called to the Bar.• Completing a 12‑month pupillage, split into six months non‑practising and six months practising.• Qualifying as a barrister under the Bar Standards Board.
Positives of becoming a barrister
Barristers thrive on advocacy, persuasion and constructing compelling arguments. If you enjoy public speaking and courtroom work, this route may suit you.
No two days are the same. The work is varied, fast‑paced and intellectually stimulating.
Self‑employment offers independence and control over career progression.
Negatives of becoming a barrister
Competition for pupillage is intense. Around 1,400 students complete the BPTC each year, but only around 400 pupillages are available, with previous applicants also competing.
The workload is unpredictable. Briefs may arrive at the last minute, and long hours are common.
Approximately 80% of barristers in England and Wales are self‑employed. Income varies depending on cases, and workplace benefits such as paid holidays and automatic National Insurance deductions are not provided.
What is right for you?
Take time to explore both paths.
Gain legal and non‑legal work experience to understand what suits you. Mini‑pupillages and placements in solicitor firms offer valuable insight. If formal experience is difficult to obtain, consider volunteering with Citizens Advice, your Students’ Union or attending local court hearings.
Try mooting to test your interest in advocacy. Remember that career decisions are not final; many lawyers change direction later in their careers.
Not sure how close you are to qualifying?
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