How do I train to become a Solicitor?

Liam O’Shea, Solicitor and Director at Astle Paterson Solicitors discusses the various routes open to those who wish to become a Solicitor.

Liam said, “Being a Solicitor is a rewarding career and there are now various routes into the profession.

The classic path taken by a Solicitor is to go to University as an Undergraduate to study a Law degree, thereafter to attend University as a Postgraduate to take the Legal Practice Course and then to undertake a Training Contract for two years at a law firm.

However, University Graduates who have studied another subject as their degree can complete a Graduate Diploma in Law and then attend the Legal Practice Course and undertake a Training Contract.

There are also ways to become a Solicitor without having to attend University – for instance by training to become a Legal Executive and then undertaking the LPC or through the newest way, by becoming a legal apprentice.”

Liam continued “Once all of the above qualifications and training have been achieved, you will be accepted onto the Roll of Solicitors as a qualified Solicitor – but the training does not end there.  All Solicitors are obliged to undertake ongoing training every year in order to ensure that they are kept abreast of any updates to the Law and good practice.”

The Law Society have produced an extremely helpful guide for any budding lawyers – ‘Becoming a solicitor.   Start planning your future today’.

At Astle Paterson we offer work experience to people interested in a pursuing a career in Law and we welcome applications from prospective Trainee Solicitors who wish to work in a challenging and rewarding environment. 

All expressions of interest should be made in the first instance by email with accompanying C.V. to our Practice Manager Sally Wileman at swileman@astlepaterson.co.uk.