How to become a legal aid solicitor

University degree
What if I completed a non-law degree?
Going to law school
Choosing your LPC provider
Starting a training contract
Alternate routes to qualification
What funding is available?

University degree (this doesn't have to be a law degree)

If you are interested in becoming a solicitor while you are completing your degree it is advisable that you gain as much practical experience as possible, for example volunteering at a local citizens advice bureau or law centre.

Make full use of your university careers service, and any careers fairs they offer. Think about getting involved in pro bono (free legal advice for the benefit of the community) work. Many university law departments/careers departments run a pro bono service which students can get involved with.

Research useful timelines to find out what you should be doing during the last part of your degree and the start of your LPC. Be aware that many legal aid firms do not recruit as far in advance as some large commercial firms.

What if I completed a non-law degree?

You can still be a solicitor without a law degree. You need to complete a conversion course called a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or Common Professional Examination (CPE).

Going to law school

The legal practice course (LPC) is the vocational stage of legal training, providing grounding in legal practice as well as legal skills. It's studied after a law degree or coversion course, and usually before starting a training contract. It can be completed in one year on a full-time basis.

The LPC teaches a wide range of legal skills including advocacy, interviewing and advising. Many institutions offer the LPC with different course structures and areas of specialty. The LPC consists of core elements, which are compulsory, and 'electives' which individuals select from the range on offer by the LPC provider. You should choose an institution that focuses on the areas of law you are interested in.

A number of course providers offer a 'Legal Aid Route' or 'Public legal Services Route' LPC which focuses on the areas of law undertaken by legal aid firms. If you’ve already secured your training contract, your firm may have a preferred institution so remember to check this beforehand.

Choosing your LPC provider

If you are unsure where to start when choosing your LPC provider ask your law tutors and check with the law careers adviser in the careers service. You may find the following useful:

Starting a training contract

A training contract is a period of practical training in an organisation certified by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

It typically lasts two years when completed on a full time basis. However this can be reduced by up to six months if you have gained legal experience prior to starting the training contract.

During the training contract a trainee will work in at least three areas of law called 'seats' The requirements for what should be covered in a training contract are set by Solicitors Regulation Authority.

When looking for a training contract you will need to think about what area of law you would like to work in, and research what areas of law different organisations specialise in.

During the training contract you must also complete the Professional Skills Course. This builds on the skills taught in the Legal Practice Course.

Alternate routes to qualification

There are various ways in which you can qualify outside the typical route outlined above.

An Exempting Law Degree allows you to extend your studies during a law degree by one year to cover the requirements of the LPC. This can be significantly cheaper than undertaking the LPC seperately. In 2009 this course was offered by Northumbria University, University of Huddersfield and Univeristy of Westminister.
The Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) provides flexible part time study. ILEX students may be exempt from the training contract.
The Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test (QLTT) allows solicitors who have qualified overseas and qualified barristers to become a qualified solicitor in England and Wales.

What funding is available?

The Legal Services Commission runs a training contract grant scheme designed to help support trainees who are committed to becoming legal aid solicitors. Each grant supports a student/trainee and a legal aid organisation for up to 4 years, through the LPC and training contract.

>back to top

Last updated: 16 October 2009