Updated
Qualifying with a degree
08 Jul 2025
1 minute read
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.
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:
- take your qualifying law degree, or non-law degree and GDL
- complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC)
- complete a period of recognised training
- pass the professional skills course
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.