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Courses Overview  Print Version

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (for solicitors) and the Bar Standards Board (for barristers) are responsible for prescribing the training requirements needed to qualify as a solicitor or a barrister in England and Wales. Both training systems have two stages: an academic stage and a vocational one.

The academic stage can be satisfied through one of the following three ways:

  • achieving a law degree recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board;
  • completing the GDL after taking an undergraduate degree in a non-law subject; or
  • gaining qualifications through the Institute of Legal Executives (solicitors only).

For solicitors the vocational section must involve completing the LPC and then a training contract (equivalent to two years' full-time education) and the professional skills course (PSC).

For barristers the vocational section must involve completing the BVC, and then a one-year practical training pupillage within chambers.