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Qualify as a solicitor

 

Following the launch of the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) on 1 September 2021, we are now in a transitional period where there are two valid routes to qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales: the LPC route and the SQE route.

Solicitors Qualifying Examination

The SQE is for anyone who wants to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales who has not yet embarked on a UK qualifying law degree, GDL or LPC.

Legal Practice Course

The LPC is designed specifically for applicants who are currently studying or have obtained their qualifying law degree or GDL in the UK.

Find a course

Explore the individual courses on offer to view information about eligibility,  course outcome, fees, duration as well as links to university webpages.

Use our course finder

How to apply for a course

Make sure you have read and understood the steps in the application process and what is required before you start your application.

View the application process

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What is the difference between the LPC and SQE?

 

Although some people still eligible for the LPC, from 1 September 2021 anyone starting out on their journey to qualifying as a solicitor has to follow the SQE route.

 

Find out more about the difference between the LPC and SQE

Route Checker

During the transition period, there will be some who are eligible to take either the LPC route or the new SQE route to qualification.  Check which route you are eligible for.

Use our route checker

Alternative routes to qualification

There are alternative routes to train and qualify in law for those who do not wish, or are not able, to go to university full-time. 

Find out about other routes to qualification

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Do you need QWE?

LawQWE is a new platform which will connect you with employers in the legal market and help you to find the work experience you need to complete your qualification.

Get ahead!

Register yourself as a QWE trainee, by creating a profile and uploading your CV today

SQE candidate case studies

The SRA has published two anonymised candidate case studies which offer insights from candidates who have taken the SQE assessments, including tips on how they prepared.

Read the SRA's SQE candidate case studies

Tips from previous applicants

We asked candidates who applied through LawCAB in 2023 for LPC, GDL and SQE courses what they wish they had known before they started their qualification journey.

Read what previous applicants say they wish they had known