Qualifying without a degree
Apprenticeships
You can complete an apprenticeship to qualify as a solicitor, paralegal or chartered legal executive.
Apprenticeships have many benefits and offer a great alternative to university. You'll receive a salary while you train and complete classroom and work-based learning.
Solicitor apprenticeships have a high success rate and are open to anyone over the age of 18.
Learn more about solicitor apprenticeships
CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ)
The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) offers a qualification to become a specialist lawyer.
A specialist lawyer is different to a solicitor. Specialist lawyers have a focused area of expertise. Solicitors often have a broader range of legal knowledge and responsibilities.
After you’ve gained experience as a specialist lawyer you can transition to become a solicitor.
The CPQ is open to anyone with or without a degree. You will qualify as a paralegal and an advanced paralegal as you work towards becoming a specialist lawyer.
Unlike apprenticeships, you may have to cover the cost of completing the CPQ.
Qualifying with previous work experience
Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
You can qualify as a solicitor by gaining relevant legal work experience and passing the SQE assessments.
This route requires a lot of practical experience and self-guided study.
Equivalent Means
If you have significant legal work experience, you can apply to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to have your experience recognised as equivalent to the traditional training route.
You will need to show that your experience meets the required competencies.
Learn more about Equivalent Means
Support and advice
We have advice on:
- becoming a solicitor as a disabled student
- becoming a solicitor as a mature student or career changer
- becoming a solicitor as a black, Asian and minority ethnic student
This includes information on support, networks and funding opportunities.