Qualifying with a degree

The qualification system for solicitors has changed. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has introduced a new route to qualifying as a solicitor: the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

This page covers the previous system, which applied until autumn 2021, and still applies during the 10-year transition period to 2031 if you’re already on the path to qualifying.

Find out more about the Solicitors Qualifying Examination

You can become a solicitor with a qualifying law degree, or with a degree in another subject followed by the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).

You must:

Not all law degrees are qualifying law degrees. If you take a non-qualifying law degree, you’ll need to take the GDL afterwards like those with a degree in a different subject.

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