How to get a solicitor & conveyancing qualification at Kew Law

You can become a solicitor with a qualifying law degree, or with a degree in another subject followed by a 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.
• Pass the SRA character and suitability requirements.

It’s important to note that not all law degrees are qualifying law degrees. If you take a non-qualifying degree, you’ll also need to take the GDL.

We take on three trainees annually. If selected, we’ll provide the recognised training and fund your professional skills course.

Note: The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is being phased in to become the new centralised way to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. It will eventually replace the LPC and the GDL. The SQE is not a course, but a series of examinations taken in two stages. There are SQE1 and SQE2 preparation courses which have been developed by institutions. We do not fund the SQE or SQE preparation courses.

Because of the long transition period, if you start your law degree or LPC before September 2021 you’ll have 11 years (until 2032) to qualify under the traditional route. However, if you want to switch to the new SQE route, you’ll be able to do so.

The same applies for non-law graduates. If you begin to study for the GDL before September 2021 you’ll can choose to continue down the traditional route of progressing onto the LPC and a training contract until 2032. After September 2021, the GDL will cease as a qualification route and you’ll need to take an SQE1 preparation course.

You can become a solicitor by qualifying through the SQE route. You will need to:

• Have a degree in any subject or equivalent Level 6 qualification
• Pass both stages of the SQE assessment
• Have two years’ full-time (or equivalent) qualifying work experience
• Pass the SRA character and suitability requirements.

We take on three trainees annually and welcome applicants seeking to qualify as a solicitor via this route.

The solicitor apprenticeship provides an alternative to the traditional qualification route through university and suits candidates who want to ‘earn as they learn’.

The apprenticeship scheme is aimed at post A-level students and is open to anyone who has the following minimum qualifications:

• 5 GCSEs, including Mathematics & English- minimum grade C (or equivalent)
• 3 A Levels (or equivalent) – minimum grade C

The apprenticeship takes 6 years to complete. You will work as a paralegal for the first two years, giving you the opportunity to decide if a law career is right for you.

Licensed Conveyancers are qualified, professional property lawyers who specialise in the legal aspects of buying and selling property in England and Wales. A conveyancing apprenticeship is another great option for candidates looking to ‘earn as they learn.’

To qualify as a Licensed Conveyancer, you must complete:

• The Level 4 Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice (or equivalent if applying for exemptions)
• the Level 6 Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice (or equivalent if applying for exemptions

Candidates new to the sector with no previous legal qualifications can take up to 5 years to complete the apprenticeship. Candidates with previous legal experience, and those with a LPC or Qualifying Law Degree, may complete the apprenticeship within 18 months to 3 years.