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England & Wales only — not Scotland or Northern Ireland

How to become a solicitor in England and Wales

Solicitors give legal advice, draft documents and act for clients in matters such as buying a home, disputes, family cases, crime and business deals.

You could work in a private law firm, a company's in-house legal team, local or central government, or a charity.

The rules below are for England and Wales only — Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate legal professions.

  • England & Wales only
  • Regulated profession
  • Earn while learning possible

3 routes into this career

Each route is a real, published way in. None is guaranteed, and requirements vary by employer. Select up to 3 to compare side by side.

  • Route AUniversity

    Law degree, then the SQE and qualifying work experience

    For those who want to study law at university before taking the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

    Starting requirements

    • Universities set their own entry requirements for law degrees
    • For admission you need a degree (any subject) or equivalent level 6 qualification
    • You must meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority's (SRA) character and suitability requirements

    Pathway outline

    1. Study a law degree
    2. Prepare for and pass SQE1 (functioning legal knowledge)
    3. Pass SQE2 (practical legal skills)
    4. Complete two years' qualifying work experience (QWE), with up to four organisations
    5. Meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements and apply for admission
    Estimated duration
    About 5 years or more
    How we estimate this

    A typical 3-year full-time degree plus two years' full-time (or equivalent) qualifying work experience. SQE timing varies.

    Estimated direct study costs
    £34,462Paid up front by you: £5,092Up-front figure assumes a Tuition Fee Loan pays the tuition. The loan is repaid from future earnings above a threshold, so it is shown separately as a loan balance.Published fees only, at the lower and upper ends of official ranges. Training provider fees are extra. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    Usually once you start paid qualifying work experience, often after graduating. Some QWE roles are paid, others may not be.

    Evidence checked 12 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route BUniversity

    Degree in another subject, then the SQE

    For those who want to study a subject they enjoy — history, science, languages or anything else — and then qualify through the SQE.

    Starting requirements

    • A degree in any subject, or an equivalent level 6 qualification, meets the SRA's degree requirement
    • Many non-law graduates take an SQE preparation course; it is optional and prices vary
    • You must meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements

    Pathway outline

    1. Study a degree in any subject
    2. Learn the law needed for SQE1, often through a preparation course (optional)
    3. Pass SQE1 and SQE2
    4. Complete two years' qualifying work experience
    5. Meet character and suitability requirements and apply for admission
    Estimated duration
    About 5 years or more
    How we estimate this

    A typical 3-year degree plus two years' full-time (or equivalent) qualifying work experience. Extra preparation time for SQE1 is common for non-law graduates.

    Estimated direct study costs
    £34,462Paid up front by you: £5,092Up-front figure assumes a Tuition Fee Loan pays the tuition. The loan is repaid from future earnings above a threshold, so it is shown separately as a loan balance.Published fees only, at the lower and upper ends of official ranges. Training provider fees are extra. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    Usually once you start paid qualifying work experience, after graduating.

    Evidence checked 12 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route CApprenticeship

    Solicitor apprenticeship (Level 7)

    For those who want to qualify as a solicitor while working and earning, without paying tuition fees.

    Starting requirements

    • You apply for a solicitor apprenticeship job; each employer sets its own requirements
    • Funding age limit: from 1 January 2026, new Level 7 starts are funded only if you are 16 to 21 at the start (or 22 to 24 with an EHC plan or care experience)
    • Vacancies are limited and competitive

    Pathway outline

    1. Apply for a solicitor apprenticeship with a law firm or legal employer
    2. Work and study; training and assessment are paid for you
    3. Pass SQE1 and SQE2 as part of the apprenticeship
    4. Complete qualifying work experience through your job
    5. Meet character and suitability requirements and apply for admission
    Estimated duration
    About 6 years
    How we estimate this

    Find apprenticeship training lists the Level 7 Solicitor apprenticeship at 72 months.

    Estimated direct study costs
    Up to £32,092 of training (funding band maximum), paid for youPaid up front by you: £0 — training and assessment are fundedApprentices do not pay for training or assessment. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    From day one — apprentices are employees and are paid a wage.

    Evidence checked 12 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

Choose “View full journey” on a route to see every step, cost and source.

Good to know

Related careers — not the same as a solicitor

Each of these is a separate career with its own entry rules.

Questions people ask

Do I need a law degree to become a solicitor?

No. Under the SQE route a degree in any subject, or an equivalent level 6 qualification, meets the degree requirement. Many non-law graduates take an optional preparation course.

Is a solicitor the same as a barrister?

No. They are separate professions with separate regulators and training. This page covers solicitors in England and Wales only.

Sources

Evidence checked 12 Oct 2026. Every fee and requirement on this page links to one of these.

UK reference: median full-time pay for all employees was £39,039 in April 2025 (ONS ASHE, provisional).

Compare routes side by side