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.