What is the career path to becoming a solicitor

The route to qualifying as a solicitor is changing in 2021 with the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam. This will replace the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and Legal Practice Course (LPC). Anyone who starts the LPC or GDL prior to 2021 can follow the route below.

What is the career path to becoming a solicitor – While you are studying

Apply for Attwells Work Experience Programme. This will give you the opportunity to experience life in a medium-sized law firm that specialises in property. The programme is designed to give you a look inside a law firm and will test your personal skills to see if you are a good fit as a lawyer. At the end of the programme, feedback will be provided.

Second Year & Final Year Graduate

If you have undertaken a qualifying degree course then you will be looking to start your Legal Practice Course.

If you have not undertaken a law degree then you will be starting the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) followed by the LPC.

  • 12-24 months

Become a Junior Paralegal

You have been successful with your application and begin with “dipping your toe” into carrying out your own work for your own clients supervised at all times. You will have a small caseload and will be seeing your clients through from instruction to completion of their matter. You will now be responsible for your clients. Our CASE Management System will guide you through the requisite steps of the matter and your colleagues and your supervisor will be there to answer questions as new situations arise. You will be paid the real living wage plus £1000.

At the end of 12 months, you should either be beginning your training contract with us or have a clear understanding of what you need to do to begin. You would then typically spend the first 6 months of your training contract within your current training seat conveyancing.

  • 12- 24 months

Become a Paralegal

Your caseload is now building as your knowledge and confidence grow. You will be requiring less support and will be starting to give support to junior colleagues. You will be paid the real living wage plus £2000.

Now you will be in your second and third training seats.

  • 12-18 months

Become a Senior Paralegal

As a senior paralegal, you are now an experienced fee earner at the firm. You should not require daily supervision and you will be providing support to other paralegals and legal assistants. You should have good experience of a range of work in your particular legal discipline.

You will now be in the last 6 months of your training contract in your final seat. Attwells will be discussing with you when you would like to qualify. Then you will undertake your Professional Skills Course (PSC) and gain specialist knowledge in your legal areas of interest. The cost of the PSC is borne by Attwells.

  • 6 months
  • Solicitor approx. 3 – 4 years for starting at Attwells
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