How and Why Becoming a Solicitor is Changing in the UK?

In the UK legal system, solicitors play a very keen role. Precisely, solicitors are advisers or supporters of the institutions, or organizations. Lawyers of law firms give various services, develop compelling contracts and wills, and handle paperwork to be filled in during property sales.

Moreover, the role of a solicitor is wider than these services. They even represent their clients in the courts when required. 

Before September 2021, the process of becoming a solicitor was quite lengthy, as it required specialized qualifications and other processes. But now, after the significant changes introduced in September 2021, the entire journey of becoming a solicitor in the UK has changed. 

This guide will explore more about this, so keep your eyes on it and let the reading begin!

The Old Route (Pre-September 2021)

Before the specified changes were introduced in September 2021, the journey to becoming a solicitor was quite rigid. This is because it requires specialized training and education. 

The first obstacle faced by solicitors earlier was gaining a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD), which provided a robust foundation in legal knowledge. Additionally, graduates with non-law degrees would not qualify for the Legal Practice Course (LPC). This would then make the transition procedural for them within a graduate diploma, preferably entitled the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).

Immediately after the candidate is trained with the needed legal matters, we move next on the Legal Practice course (LPC). LPC is a year based intensive course, comprising the candidate’s basic skills which are necessary for a candidate to work as solicitor. Well, LPC covers everything, like developing candidate client interviewing skills, assessing them in legal writing, practicing management skills, and even preparing the graduates for the hidden reality of the legal profession. 

Furthermore, as soon as the candidate finishes the LPC training, the aspiring solicitors begin with a two-year training contract, preferably with a law firm. With this, the candidates would be entitled to valuable hands-on experience working alongside qualified solicitors. They will be directed through different departments, which will hone their practical skills and give them a fair idea of the real-world conditions in this field.

The New Route (SQE- Introduced September 2021)

The shift from the old route to the new route is more flexible for candidates than the old system. 

One of the best things under the new system is the elimination of the Qualifying Law Degree, which was mandatory earlier. Under the SQE system, aspiring solicitor candidates can enter the profession regardless of any degree or equivalent qualification, such as a humanities degree, business degree, or any other work experience that falls under the relevant category. It opens up opportunities for aspiring candidates to pursue a law degree. 

All About SQE Examination

SQE is a two-tier assessment procedure that is designed to evaluate a candidate based on their practical skills and legal knowledge:

• SQE 1

An essential component of SQE 1 is examining whether a student has mastered the fundamental legal skills that are necessary for the solicitors in England and Wales.

• SQE 2

The second assessment stage, SQE 2, aims to assess the candidate’s capability of applying legal knowledge to real-world scenarios. It may include client communication, case-solving, legal research, etc. 

As the SQE finally replaced the LPC course in September 2021, practical knowledge remains essential. 

Reasons for the Changes (Why)

The introduction of SQE was about more than just modernization. There were several other key factors which influenced this change. Let’s have a read at some potential changes below:

• Increased focus on Practical Skills

Although the LPC provided practical training, the SQE put even more effort into this aspect. In SQE, there is no concern of any systemic gaps as the stage one examination is designed to investigate the efficiency of an aspirant’s practical skills and legal awareness, which, in turn, also ensure whether the aspirant is theoretically sound, which is significant for operating under real-World circumstances.

• Meeting the Evolving Needs of the Legal Sector

Well, there’s no doubt that the legal sector has been constantly evolving. The SQE system aims to help future solicitors with the relevant skills, and the focus is solely on preparing them to handle emerging legal issues seamlessly.

• Cost Reduction

The SQE system is believed to be much more cost-effective than the earlier one. Although the SQE examination also has fees, eliminating the LPC may reduce the overall training costs involved earlier. 

Impact of the Changes

The introduction of the SQE examination has both benefits and challenges. Here’s an overview of the breakdown of the same below:

• Potential Benefits

The introduction of SQE in September 2021 significantly removed the barrier of having a specific law degree, opening doors for graduates from diverse backgrounds and with relevant skill sets.

• Challenges to Consider

The SQE examination, which is considered to have a more streamlined system, particularly raised eyebrows. The elimination of the LPC raised concerns about how maintenance would take place to maintain the high standards of the legal profession. 

Conclusion

The introduction of the SQE in December of 2021 made a dramatic change to how solicitors were to be certified in the UK. Although challenges were reported at that time, such as maintaining high professional standards, the future outlook of implementing this change from the perspective of aspiring solicitors looks promising. Moreover, as SQE opens doors for a wider range of talented individuals, it fosters a more innovative and diverse legal profession in the UK.

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