Qualifying as a Lawyer
The fastest way to qualify as a lawyer is to complete a law degree with at least a 2:1, then carry on with professional training. This would 5 – 6 years from beginning your degree, depending which qualification you want. The further training depends on whether you are aiming to become a solicitor or a barrister. Barristers must spend one year completing the Bar vocational course (BVC) followed by at least 12 months in chambers under the supervision of an experienced barrister, this is divided into 2 6 month pupillages, the first to train and the second to work under the Barristers supervision. Solicitors have to complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC), followed by a two year training contract usually within a law firm or the in house legal team of a commercial firm or government department.
Graduates in a discipline other than law can qualify by taking the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or the Common Professional Exam (CPE) before going on to do the LPC / BVC, meaning they will have to study for one more year than a Law graduate. These courses are designed to cover the main foundations of law, preparing graduates from other areas for a legal career.