What is the Legal Practice Course (LPC)?

If your goal is to qualify as a solicitor, the Legal Practice Course (LPC) has traditionally been the compulsory vocational stage after your law degree or conversion course. It is demanding, expensive, and requires sustained commitment; passing is not guaranteed without serious work.

But with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) announcing in 2017 that the LPC would be replaced by the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), many aspiring solicitors have been unsure whether to start the LPC or wait for the new system.

This guide explains what the LPC involves, how long it takes, where you can study it, and what the shift toward the SQE meant for students in 2019.

Key Changes to Note (Position as of 2019)

In 2017, the SRA confirmed that the LPC would be replaced by a two‑stage, centrally assessed exam: the SQE. The SQE was widely described as a “one‑size‑fits‑all” route designed to standardise solicitor qualification.

At the time, the SRA indicated that the SQE would launch in 2020, but also acknowledged that implementation could be delayed. This meant:

• The LPC was still widely available in 2019.
• Students starting law degrees in 2017–2018 were expected to be able to choose between LPC and SQE.
• Training contract offers made before the SQE launch were still tied to the LPC.

In short: in 2019, the LPC remained the main route, but students needed to monitor SRA updates closely.

What Does the LPC Involve?

The LPC is split into two stages, combining workshops, lectures, online learning, supervised assessments and independent study. Assessment methods vary by provider and include written exams, oral presentations, coursework, open‑book and closed‑book tests.

Stage 1: Core Practice Areas and Skills

Stage 1 covers the three essential practice areas every solicitor must understand:

• Business Law and Practice
• Litigation (civil and criminal)
• Property Law and Practice

You also develop key professional skills:

• Advising and advocacy
• Interviewing
• Practical legal research
• Writing and drafting

Plus compulsory knowledge areas:

• Professional conduct and regulation
• Solicitors’ accounts
• Taxation
• Wills and administration of estates

Stage 2: Electives

Stage 2 consists of three vocational electives, chosen from groups set by each institution. These allow you to specialise toward your intended practice area or target firms.

Examples include:

• Private acquisitions
• Public companies
• Debt/banking

And electives suited to regional or mid‑sized firms:

• Commercial property
• Commercial law
• Employment
• Family
• Immigration
• Welfare law
• Advanced criminal practice

Stage 1 must be completed with one provider; Stage 2 can be taken with multiple authorised providers.

How Long Does the LPC Take?

Course length varies by provider and study mode:

• Full‑time: typically 1 year
• Part‑time: typically 2 years

Electives may be taken together or separately, and some providers offer flexible or blended learning options.

Where Can You Study the LPC?

If you already have a training contract, your firm may specify a provider.

If not, you can choose from 30+ institutions across England and Wales offering the LPC in various formats. Scotland has its own equivalent: the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.

To compare providers, consult the SRA’s list of approved LPC institutions.

Choosing the Right LPC Provider

Research is essential. Consider:

• Reputation
• Cost
• Electives offered
• Teaching style
• Location and timetable

If you have target firms, you may check where their trainees previously studied, though most firms operate equal‑opportunity recruitment, and your LPC provider rarely determines your chances if your application is strong.

How Much Does the LPC Cost?

The LPC is a significant financial commitment. In 2017, the average cost was £11,550, though fees varied widely.

Funding options included:

• Diversity Access Scheme (Law Society)
• Part‑time study + employment
• Postgraduate loan (if combined with an LLM)
• University scholarships
• Firm sponsorship (if you have a training contract)

When Can You Apply?

Most students apply for the LPC before securing a training contract.

Application routes (as of 2019):

• Full‑time LPC: via the Central Applications Board (CAB) from September
• Part‑time LPC: apply directly to providers

CAB allows you to rank three choices. There are no interviews; selection is based on your application form. Applications are released to providers once references and the £15 fee are submitted.

SRA enrolment

As of 2019, students no longer needed to enrol with the SRA before starting the LPC. However, issues relating to character and suitability must be disclosed at least six months before beginning your training contract.