How to Become a Lawyer in England

The process of becoming a lawyer in England is different than it is in the United States. Students who have studied in another country and hope to practice law in England, will need to go through the same series of activities as students living in the country. The process typically takes 6-8 years to complete if the student attends school full-time. In addition, they'll find that the process is quite competitive as thousands of students vie for a handful of training courses at the more popular firms.

Instructions

1. Apply for and receive a Certificate of Academic Standing. This certificate entitles you to take classes in law in England. If you live in another country or have a degree from another country, you absolutely must have this certificate before proceeding. The certificates are handled by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

2. Obtain a degree in Law from an accredited school. This degree shows that you're willing to learn how the legal system work and that you've put in the time and effort required to become a lawyer.

3. Take the Common Professional Exam. This exam is similar to the Bar Exam in the U.S. except that students aren't automatically allowed to begin practicing law with a passing grade. The exam covers all the information the student learned in the past and allows them to begin working on the next step.

4. Complete the Legal Practice Course. This is a mandatory course in England for all students hoping to practice law. The course prepares students for a legal career in the country and also ensures that they have received all the training they need to practice.

5. Finish the Training Contract and Professional Skills Course. These two courses take place over two years where students are sent out into the field to work. They may handle research aspects and work directly with clients, depending on the firm where they work. This is the last step to becoming a lawyer in England.

Tips & Warnings

• Students who receive a degree in law from another country can sometimes skip getting a degree in England and apply directly for the Common Professional Exam.

• There's no way to become a lawyer in England without having a degree in law and taking the exams and courses. Even those with an advanced degree or Masters degree still needs to take the same courses and exams.