|
There is no easy way to achieve this goal. There is work, work…. and more work.
In order to become a solicitor there are two stages that must be completed; the educational stage and the training stage.
Generally, to complete the educational stage you need to acquire an LLB (Bachelor of Laws) degree or alternatively embark on the CPE course.
The usual requirements of most universities is a minimum of 2 “A” levels. In addition, you may also be required to attend a number of interviews to determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate to enter the institution of your choice.
The duration of the LLB Degree programme is usually 3 years. This is the path for the individual who would not have a first degree. Most institutions do, however, offer a 2-year degree programme, available to those who have previously obtained a degree recognised by other examining bodies.
An alternative or viable option to the forgoing is for those persons who already have a degree under their belts to embark upon the CPE. This is really a 1-year conversion course if undertaken on a full time basis, a 2-year stint if pursued on a part-time basis.
The advantage of the CPE route is that you would have placed yourself in the position where you may then embark on the training stage in less time than if you had pursued the regular degree programme.
The CPE usually covers 8 or more core subjects as detailed by the Law Society as a prerequisite to entering the profession. These core subjects are Criminal Law, Contracts, Land Law, Equity and Trusts, Constitutional Law and English Legal Systems.
If the main consideration in pursuing a legal career is to enter into private practice as soon as possible then it is advisable to contemplate undertaking the CPE. However, if there are other factors to be considered, then you would be well advised to attain the LLB degree.
Once the rigours of the first stage have been conquered you then take a deep breath and look to more hard work as the next step on the ladder is undertaking the Legal Practise Course (LPC). This application is made through UCAS (a computerised clearance system) to the college of your choice in November of each year.
On the matter of the college of your choice, it is vitally important that you make it known through your application that the college you really wish to attend is your first choice. Why? Well, most colleges seem to only accept the candidate not only if you do meet their requirements but also if there is the clear indication that that institution is your first choice.
The colleges that teach the Legal Practice Course require a minimum 2:2 average in your degree. This is the basic requirement of the Law Society, the governing body for solicitors. You must become a member of the Law Society before you commence the LPC course. The fee is approximately £70 - £80 annually.
Once the LPC has been conquered the next requirement is the pursuit of a 2-year training period before you are considered a qualified solicitor. It is advisable to obtain “articles” (a training contract) before you have completed the LPC as this is often tantamount to finding gold on the streets of London!
Once you have achieved “articles”, you may be able to breathe a sigh of relief. If you perform well in the 2 years of training it is not unusual for the firm of Solicitors to offer you a permanent position. By dint of hard work and displaying initiative you might well achieve this final frontier of a job after qualification!
If you are a committed person, despite the many obstacles that might be placed before you it is possible to realise your dream of becoming a solicitor.
|
