My OperaGlasgow solicitors A Quickguide on How To Become a Solicitor
Sunday, August 29, 2010 11:28:08 PM
Many people wish to become a solicitor in the UK but think they will not be able to because they do not have a law degree. This is not the case. It often surprises people to learn that only about half of UK solicitors have a law degree. It is a great time to be a solicitor in the UK because the number of opportunities continues to expand as more and more legal services are required.
For anyone with a non-law degree there is an extra academic step to be taken when compared to those who do a law degree. Non-law students must do a law conversion course in the form of the Graduate Diploma in Law or the Common Professional Exam. This is a one year full-time course, or two year part-time course, which brings non-law students up to a similar knowledge base as those who have studied a law degree.
The Legal Practice Course is the next step in becoming a solicitor, and is the last course that must be completed in the process. It takes most trainee solicitors only a year to finish the Legal Practice Course if they go full time, and only two years if attended part time. It is a course that is used to make sure trainee solicitors have all of the skills needed to be a solicitor in the UK.
Finally students must complete their training contract before becoming a qualified UK solicitor. This is where trainees will get their hands-on practical work experience as well as complete the Professional Skills Course. The format of each training contract will depend on the type and size of firm trainees work with. If trainees are looking for a more structured environment they will usually want to apply to the larger firms.
Guidelines set by the Law Society state that law firms have to appoint a training principal is responsible for overseeing the work done by trainee solicitors. Training principals are also available to answer any and all questions, give guidance, and give feedback. They also must keep records to ensure trainees meet all of the Law Society's requirements during their training contract.
Many trainee solicitors will rotate through different departments within a firm while completing their training contract. The Law Society stipulates that trainee solicitors must work in at least three different areas of work, both contentious and non-contentious, during their training contract.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority are looking at new ways in which solicitors will be trained in the UK including merging the legal studies and practical work training to a greater extent
Applications for training contracts are usually via an application form or a CV and covering letter as requested by the law firm to be applied to.
Information and resources for students considering becoming a solicitor. For more information the necessary career path of a solicitor click here: Become a Solicitor.glasgow solicitors: glasgow solicitor
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