Janice Lozano
International students interested in becoming lawyers in the UK should be aware that there is no single UK judicial system or UK lawyer. The United Kingdom is divided into three legal jurisdictions: England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, each with its own distinct legal system and criteria for practising law. To become a lawyer in the UK, international students will likely need to complete a university degree and several years of training, which can include apprenticeships. The specific requirements will depend on the jurisdiction and type of law one wants to practice. For example, to become a solicitor in England and Wales, international students can sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE1 and SQE2), while in Scotland, they must secure a certificate of eligibility, pass the Qualified Lawyers Assessment (QLA), and apply to be admitted by the Roll of Solicitors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Education | International students need at least three A-levels with high grades to get into law school in the UK. |
| International students can pursue a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Bachelor of Arts (BA), or Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Law. | |
| The UK offers three-year LLB Law degrees that combine theory, research, and practical skills-based training. | |
| The UK also offers Law Foundation programmes, which are one-year, pre-university programmes that prepare international students for the rigours of a UK law degree. | |
| International students can also pursue a university degree in their home country that is equivalent to a UK law degree. | |
| Location | International students can study law in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, as each country has its own legal system and criteria for practising law. |
| Career Path | International students can become solicitors or barristers in the UK. |
| International students can also pursue careers in international law, working on human rights cases and advising NGOs or government departments. | |
| Exams | International students may need to take the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), which consists of SQE1 and SQE2, to become solicitors in England and Wales. |
| International students may need to take the Qualified Lawyers Assessment (QLA) and the Scottish bar exams to become solicitors or advocates in Scotland. | |
| Work Experience | International students may need to complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) in addition to their exams. |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a jurisdiction: England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland
The United Kingdom is made up of three distinct legal jurisdictions: England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Each has its own legal system and criteria for practising law. Therefore, the process of becoming a lawyer differs between these jurisdictions.
England and Wales
To become a solicitor in England and Wales, foreign-qualified lawyers must sit the Solicitor's Qualifying Examination (SQE1 and SQE2). The SQE exams are flexible and are offered several times a year in the UK, with some elements offered internationally. The SQE1 focuses on testing legal knowledge, while the SQE2 focuses on the practical application of this knowledge. Foreign-qualified lawyers may be eligible for exemption from SQE2. Once the exams are passed, candidates can apply for admission to the roll of solicitors of England and Wales.
Scotland
To become a solicitor in Scotland, a certificate of eligibility must be obtained, which involves an application and a fee. Following this, the Qualified Lawyers Assessment (QLA) must be passed, which covers 11 subjects. The final step is to apply to be admitted by the Roll of Solicitors and receive a practising certificate.
To become an advocate (barrister) in Scotland, the Scottish bar exams and the Diploma in Legal Practice from a Scottish university must be completed. This is followed by 'devilling', a nine-month pupillage.
Northern Ireland
The process for becoming a lawyer in Northern Ireland is not explicitly outlined in the sources. However, it is mentioned that the process differs from that of England and Wales.
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Decide on a degree type: Bachelor of Laws, Arts, or Science
Bachelor of Laws, Arts, or Science
The first step to becoming a lawyer in the UK is to decide on the type of degree you want to pursue. Here are the three main options:
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB): This is the most common route for those aspiring to become lawyers in the UK. It typically takes three years to complete and combines theory, research, and practical skills training. Some universities may offer the opportunity to extend your studies by a year and include an international component, allowing you to study abroad. The LLB degree is recognised by the Bar in many countries and provides a solid foundation for a career in law.
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Law: A BA in Law can be an alternative route to entering the legal profession. While it may not be as specialised as an LLB, it can still provide a good foundation in legal studies and critical thinking.
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Law: Similarly, a BSc in Law can offer a scientific or technical perspective on legal studies. This degree may be suitable for those who are interested in combining law with other disciplines, such as criminology or forensic science.
It's important to note that the specific entry requirements and curriculum may vary between universities, so be sure to research the particular programme that interests you. Additionally, consider whether you want to become a barrister or solicitor, as this may influence your degree choice.
Once you've decided on the type of degree you want to pursue, you can start researching specific universities and their admission requirements. Look for universities with strong law programmes and consider factors such as location, faculty expertise, and available specialisations. Remember that entry requirements can be competitive, so strive for excellent grades and seek guidance from your course director or academic advisors.
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Complete a university degree
To become a lawyer in the UK, international students will need to complete a university degree and several years of training. The UK is divided into three legal jurisdictions: England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, each with its own legal system and criteria for practising law.
England and Wales
To become a solicitor in England and Wales, international students will need to sit the Solicitor's Qualifying Examination (SQE1 and SQE2). To be eligible for SQE1, you must hold a degree in any subject or an equivalent qualification, such as a degree apprenticeship or work experience. SQE1 is a "super exam" that covers a wide range of topics through MCQs, video lectures, workbooks, self-assessment tests, and unlimited learning coach sessions. SQE2 tests the practical application of your legal skills and knowledge through oral and written assessments.
Scotland
To become a solicitor in Scotland, you will need to secure a certificate of eligibility to practise law in Scotland by filling out an application and paying a fee. After that, you must pass the Qualified Lawyers Assessment (QLA), which covers 11 subjects, and then apply to be admitted by the Roll of Solicitors. To become an advocate (barrister) in Scotland, you will need to complete the Scottish bar exams and the Diploma in Legal Practice from a university in Scotland. This is followed by a nine-month pupillage known as 'devilling'.
Northern Ireland
While there is no specific information on the steps to becoming a lawyer in Northern Ireland, it is likely that the process involves sitting exams and completing qualifications similar to those in the other UK jurisdictions.
University Options
The Dickson Poon School of Law at King's College London is recognised as one of the best law schools in the UK. The UCL Faculty of Laws also offers a three-year LLB Law degree that combines theory, research, and practical application. International students can also consider a Law Foundation, such as the Kings Humanities and Law Degree pathway programme, which is a one-year pre-university programme that prepares students for the rigours of a UK law degree.
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Take the SQE exam
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is a new standardized procedure for qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. The SQE replaces the GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law) and the LPC (Legal Practice Course). Unlike its predecessors, the SQE is a sit-down examination, similar to the state bar exams in the US. It consists of two parts: SQE1 and SQE2, which can be taken separately. SQE1 focuses primarily on legal knowledge, while SQE2 focuses on practical skills and consists of oral and written assessments. The oral assessments are conducted in person in England or Wales and take place over two and a half days. The total cost of the SQE assessments is £4,564.
To qualify to sit for the SQE, you need a degree in any subject or equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience. You do not need a law degree, from overseas or the UK, to qualify to sit for the exam. However, if you have a degree or equivalent qualification from outside the UK, you must show that it is equivalent to a UK degree through a UK National Information Centre (ENIC) statement of comparability.
In addition to passing the SQE1 and SQE2 assessments, candidates need to complete two years of qualifying work experience (QWE) and meet character and suitability requirements to qualify as a solicitor. The two-year QWE can be completed anywhere in the world but must be signed off by a solicitor of England and Wales as meeting the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requirements.
The SRA does not require candidates to complete any preparatory courses before sitting the SQE. However, taking an SQE preparation course may give you the best chance of passing the assessment. There are various SQE preparation courses available, such as Barbri's SQE1 Prep course, which offers a Personal Study Plan, spaced repetition, video lectures, workbooks, self-assessment tests, and unlimited learning coach sessions.
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Gain work experience
To gain work experience as an international student looking to become a lawyer in the UK, you can consider the following options:
Apprenticeships
If university isn't for you, you can opt for a degree apprenticeship. There are two types of apprenticeships: a 6- to 7-year apprenticeship that takes you from A level to the qualifying exams, and shorter apprenticeships for those with some legal qualifications or work experience.
Law Foundations
Law Foundations are one-year pre-university programmes that prepare international students for a UK law degree. An example is the Kings Humanities and Law Degree pathway programme.
University Degrees
International students can complete law degrees in the UK, which are highly respected qualifications recognised by the Bar in many countries. After the second year of a three-year LLB Law degree, students may have the opportunity to extend their studies by a year and study abroad.
Work Experience Requirements
To qualify as a lawyer in the UK, you will need to complete several years of training. The SRA recommends that candidates take the SQE1 exam before their work-based experience and SQE2 at the end. Foreign qualified lawyers may be exempt from SQE2.
Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
US lawyers must complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) to become lawyers in the UK. Overseas work experience may count towards this requirement.
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Frequently asked questions
First, you must decide which jurisdiction you would like to work in, as each has its own legal system and criteria for practising law. The UK is divided into three groups: England and Wales (which share a legal jurisdiction), Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Then, you must decide whether you want to be a barrister or solicitor. Finally, you will likely need to complete a university degree and several years of training.
To get into law school in the UK, you will need at least three A-levels with high grades. The top universities with the most competitive courses will likely require three A or A* grades, although entry requirements vary for each university. There are no specific A-levels needed for Law, but your Course Director will advise you on the best subject choices, which may include Government and Politics, Geography, History, and/or Economics.
Students can pursue a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), a Bachelor of Arts (BA), or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Law. The three-year LLB Law combines theory and research with practical application and skills-based training. Students may also have the opportunity to extend their studies by a year and study abroad in the USA, Australia, Hong Kong, or Singapore.
