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Have your teenagers ever dreamt of starting a legal career profession?  In our last blog article, we introduced a variety of career opportunities beyond the roles of barristers and solicitors that many are familiar with.   From legal executives who assist barristers or solicitors in researching to arbitrators and mediators who resolve disputes without proceeding to court, the legal world is diverse for young individuals with varying interests.  Today, we examine various study paths in the UK for those passionate about this respected sector.  

What High School Subjects Can Help Me Get into a Legal Career? 

While taking an A-Level in law isn’t mandatory for law school admissions, many law schools prefer candidates with strong proficiencies in English, together with merit in mathematics and/or science subjects.  This is to demonstrate your capability in writing and analytical thinking.  

Alternatively, students might consider taking a BTEC Diploma (Business & Technology Education Council) in a specific field.  It is also feasible to combine BTEC with A-Level subjects for university application. 

While different law schools take varying criteria when assessing UCAS points, a student’s personal statement plays a vital role in university application.  Some law schools may also arrange interviews during the admission process to assess applicant’s enthusiasm for law and their competencies, ensuring they are well-prepared for rigorous academic learning and subsequent professional training.      

Is a Law Degree Essential to Become a Legal Professional? 

While a law degree is a natural choice for becoming a barrister or solicitor, students can also start with undergraduate degrees in business or technical fields.  If your A-level results are not ideal, you can consider a law degree programme with an integrated foundation year.  

To Become a Solicitor and a Barrister

Aspiring solicitors with a law degree usually pursue an apprenticeship with a UK law firm, preparing for the SQE exam and taking two years of paid training.  Those with a non-law degree can first undertake the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) before starting the apprenticeship. 

If you aim to become a barrister, you will join an Inn of Court after completing a law undergraduate programme with merit, or the GDL as a law conversion route.  The Inns of Court are esteemed professional membership associations in England and Wales, tailored specifically for barristers.  They play a pivotal role by offering both collegiate and educational activities support, and sponsorship for law graduates on the GDL and vocational training courses.  It is essential for law graduates to join an Inn at least 12 weeks before starting the vocational components of their training.    

After joining an Inn, you will be called to the Bar to undertake the Bar Course, followed by a six-month (minimum) pupillage.  Upon completing the pupillage, you are ready to practice as a full-fledged barrister. 

To Become an Arbitrator or a Family Mediator 

For young individuals aspiring to resolve disputes outside of the courtroom, there are clear paths to becoming an arbitrator or a family mediator.  

It is not essential to acquire a law degree to become an arbitrator.   After university graduation, you will complete the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) certification course to acquire a full understanding of arbitration.  Upon completing the certification, you are ready to practice in real disputes.  

For those who aim to become a family mediator, you will first enrol in a Family Mediation Council (FMC)-approved foundation training course after university graduation, which provides essential knowledge on family mediation and its role in dispute resolution. When completing the course, you will join a FMC member organisation as part of the professional community, and work closely with a fully-accredited Professional Practice Consultant (PPC).  Under their guidance, you will gain experience and develop a portfolio to work towards earning your accreditation to become a family mediator.  

To become a Conveyancer 

Students interested in property and land transactions can start a career in conveyancing with one of several qualifications – a law degree, a legal practical course, the GDL, or the CILEx Level Diploma.  

Another path is to start with a technical conveyancer higher apprenticeship, eventually progressing to a licensed conveyancer degree apprenticeship.   Typically, high school students are required to obtain 4 or 5 GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship.  

Alternatively, students can enter the conveyancing field directly by joining a conveyancing office and gradually ascending through in-house training to become registered conveyancing technicians.  Usually, a 6-month practical experience in a probate or conveyancing practice, in a legal firm or in an organisation offering probate services to the public is required. After gaining this experience, students can then apply for registration with the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.  

Another path to consider is pursuing the Level 4 or Level 6 Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice offered by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers. These diplomas usually take 18 to 24 months and culminate in a professional qualification.  It is worth noting that it is not mandatory to be employed within the legal sector while studying for these diplomas.   

To become a Paralegal 

Students who wish to pursue a career as a paralegal can follow a university education route – getting a foundation degree, associate degree, higher national diploma, or a degree in law, legal studies, or paralegal practice can be advantageous.  A bachelor’s degree, however, often gives you an edge in the competitive paralegal field. 

For those who consider a more vocational approach, there are several college courses to consider.  This includes the Level 2 Diploma in Legal Studies, the CILEx Level 3 Certificate in Law and Practice, or the NALP Level 3 Diploma in Paralegal Practice.  

You can also consider on-the-job learning combined with structured study offers.  Many aspiring young individuals start as administrative assistants in legal practices and study certification courses from the Institute of Paralegals, or the National Association of Licenced Paralegals. Typically, candidates pursuing this path are required to have solid GCSEs or A levels and a good proficiency in English.  

To stay competitive in the paralegal field, many young professionals become members of recognised paralegal associations, such as the National Association of Licensed Paralegals. Membership often grants access to scholarships, educational institution recommendations, certification guidance, networking opportunities, and more.  

To become a Legal Executive 

For those interested in a college course, the CILEx Level 3 or Level 6 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice are ideal choices.  Students will undergo a 3-year period of qualifying employment, performing legal tasks under the guidance of a solicitor, barrister, legal executive or licensed conveyancer.  

To be eligible for the CILEx Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice, high school graduates should gain either 4 or 5 GCSEs graded between 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent, or combine 1 or 2 A Levels with a level 3 diploma or gain equivalent experience suitable for a level 4, 5, or 6 course.  

Another option is the Paralegal Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, progressing to Level 6 and 7 non-degree apprenticeships, which ultimately merged with the main path.  For the Paralegal Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, the prerequisites include 5 GCSEs graded between 9 to 4 (A* to C) along with A levels, or equivalent, are required for higher or degree apprenticeships. 

Some aspiring young individuals opt to work at a law firm and simultaneously gain qualifications on a part-time basis.  Even if not employed in a legal role, as long as the entry requirements are met, they can study for CILEx qualifications.  These can be undertaken full-time, part-time, or through distance learning while maintaining employment.

Once the CILEx qualifications are achieved, graduates will register with the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives to initiate their training.    

Bearing Academy consultants provide holistic guidance for aspiring law students, starting from pre-law school preparation to ongoing support during their academic journey.  Students will meet our consultants face-to-face or online for career suitability assessments, personal statement crafting, and interview preparation.  Upon entering law school, students will receive continuous mentorship to ensure they navigate their law school studies effectively. 

As law school students move into their professional roles after graduation, our consultants will connect them to specialised domestic and international opportunities.  

Sources: The Law Society UK, The Bar Council, Barstandardboard.org.uk, Business & Technology Education Council, UK, The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Family Mediation Council, UK, Nationalcareers.service.gov.uk, The National Associations of Licensed Paralegals, Cpq.cilex.org.uk, the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.