Introduction:
One of the most common questions
that law students ask themselves when embarking on a law degree at university
is how to become a lawyer in the UK, especially as an international student.
Picking a course that allows you to do this can be confusing, so to make your
decision easier, we’ve created this guide on becoming a lawyer in the UK as an
international student.
If you dream of a job in law and
want to stay in the UK after immigrating, this article is for you. It covers
the steps that were followed by another international student who took them
after getting a degree from the University of Bristol Law School. I’ve included
some essential tips that may make your experience less stressful, and more
enjoyable.
Become A Lawyer In The Uk As An
International Student By These simple steps:
- Research UK law schools and requirements
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in law or a related field
- Pass the Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) exam
- Complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC)
- Achieve a Training Contract and qualify as a solicitor
Research
UK law schools and requirements
To become a lawyer in the UK as an
international student, it is necessary to research UK law schools and
requirements. This includes understanding the different types of law degree
programs offered, such as the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and the Graduate Diploma
in Law (GDL), and the admissions requirements for each program. It is also
important to research the accreditation and ranking of different law schools in
the UK to ensure that the degree program chosen is of high quality and
recognized by employers.
Additionally, it is necessary to
research the cost and funding options available for law school, as well as any
potential scholarships or grants that may be available to international
students. Finally, it is important to research the licensing and professional
development requirements for practicing law in the UK, including the Legal
Practice Course (LPC) and the Professional Skills Course (PSC).
Obtain
a bachelor’s degree in law or a related field
To become a lawyer in the UK as an
international student, the first step is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in law
or a related field. This typically takes three to four years to complete and
involves completing a range of courses covering topics such as legal
principles, criminal law, and civil procedure. After completing your bachelor’s
degree, you will need to pass the Legal Practice Course (LPC) in order to be
eligible to apply for a training contract with a law firm. Once you have
completed the LPC and secured a training contract, you will need to complete a
two-year period of supervised work experience before you can qualify as a
solicitor.
Alternatively, you can choose to
pursue a career as a barrister, which requires a different qualification
process. Regardless of your path, it is important to remember that becoming a
lawyer in the UK requires a significant time commitment and a strong work
ethic.
Pass
the Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) exam
To become a lawyer in the UK as an
international student, one must first complete a qualifying law degree (QLD).
This is a three-year program that covers the core subjects of legal study,
including contract law, criminal law, and tort law. Upon completion of the QLD,
students must then pass the Professional Skills Course (PSC), which is a
one-year program that teaches practical skills such as legal writing and
advocacy.
After completing the PSC, students
must pass the Qualifying Examination (QE), which is a rigorous multiple-choice
and essay-based exam. Once these steps have been completed, international
students are eligible to apply for a training contract with a law firm in order
to complete the practical component of their legal education and qualify as a
lawyer.
Complete
the Legal Practice Course (LPC)
To become a lawyer in the UK as an
international student, you must first complete a law degree or a degree in a
related subject. After completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to
pass the Legal Practice Course (LPC), which is a postgraduate course that
provides you with the practical skills and knowledge needed to practice law in
the UK. The LPC covers a range of subjects such as civil litigation, commercial
law, and professional conduct. It is typically a one-year course that is
offered by law schools or universities.
After completing the LPC, you will
need to secure a training contract with a law firm in order to qualify as a
solicitor. Alternatively, you can become a barrister by completing the Bar
Professional Training Course (BPTC).
Achieve
a Training Contract and qualify as a solicitor
The best step to becoming a lawyer
in the UK as an international student is to achieve a training contract. This
is essentially an apprenticeship with a law firm, during which you will gain
practical experience and complete the academic requirements for qualification
as a solicitor. To secure a training contract, you will need to complete a law
degree or a non-law degree with the Graduate Diploma in Law.
You will also need to pass the Legal
Practice Course, which is a postgraduate course that teaches you the skills and
knowledge required to practice law. Once you have completed your training
contract and passed the LPC, you will be eligible to apply for qualification as
a solicitor. This typically involves completing a period of supervised work and
passing the professional skills course. After fulfilling these requirements,
you can apply to the Solicitors Regulation Authority to be admitted as a
solicitor.
Conclusion:
Hopefully, this article has provided
a clear and comprehensive guide on how to become a lawyer in the UK as an international
student. The first step is to ensure that you meet the academic requirements,
which include obtaining a degree in law or a related field. You must also pass
the qualifying exams, including the International Lawyers Qualification Exam or
the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme.
It is also important to gain
practical experience through internships or work placements, as well as obtain
legal qualifications such as the Legal Practice Course or the Bar Professional
Training Course. Finally, it is essential to research and apply to law firms or
chambers that sponsor visas for international students. With dedication and
hard work, it is possible to achieve your goal of becoming a lawyer in the UK
as an international student.