What is a Solicitor? How to Become One

Solicitor is a common term in the UK, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. In this blog, we are going to talk about what exactly is a solicitor, how to become one, salary and many more aspects.

What is a Solicitor?

A solicitor is a lawyer who is qualified to advise clients on legal matters and represent them in legal proceedings. They are regulated by the Law Society, which sets out strict rules on training, conduct, and practice to ensure that they maintain high professional standards. In UK, they are regulated by Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

They typically work in law firms, where they advise clients on a wide range of legal issues, such as property transactions, employment law, family law, and criminal defense. They may also represent clients in court, negotiating settlements, and drafting legal documents.

To become one, individuals must complete a law degree and then undertake a vocational training course known as the Legal Practice Course (LPC). After completing the LPC, they must also complete a period of supervised work experience known as a training contract.

The role of this is multifaceted and can be demanding, as they must be able to provide expert legal advice while also building and maintaining good relationships with clients. Good communication skills and the ability to think critically and analytically are essential for this job, as is the ability to work well under pressure.

In addition to their work with individual clients, they may also be involved in pro bono (free) legal work, helping those who cannot afford to pay for legal services. This may include representing clients in cases involving human rights, asylum, and immigration.

What Does a Solicitor Do?

Solicitors work in a variety of settings, including law firms, the public sector, and in private practice. Some specialize in a particular area of law, such as criminal law, family law, or employment law, while others may have a more general practice.

The specific tasks and responsibilities can vary depending on the type of work they are doing and the setting in which they are working. However, some common duties include:

• Advising clients on legal issues and options
• Drafting legal documents, such as contracts and wills
• Representing clients in court and negotiating settlements
• Providing legal advice to businesses and organizations
• Advising on property transactions
• Handling cases involving employment law, family law, or criminal law
• Handling pro bono (free) legal work, helping those who cannot afford to pay for legal services

They must have strong communication skills, be able to think critically and analytically and be able to work well under pressure. They must also be able to build and maintain good relationships with clients.

What Skills Do You Need to Become a Solicitor?

To become a solicitor, individuals must have a strong foundation in the principles of law and the legal system. In addition, there are a number of personal and professional skills that are important. Some of the key skills needed to become one include:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills: Solicitors must be able to evaluate complex legal issues and develop creative solutions.
• Excellent communication skills: They must be able to clearly and effectively communicate legal concepts and advice to clients, as well as present cases in court.
• Attention to detail: They must be able to pay close attention to detail, as even small mistakes can have significant consequences.
• Organizational skills: They must be able to manage their time effectively and keep track of multiple cases and tasks.
• Ability to work under pressure: They often face tight deadlines and may need to work long hours, so the ability to work well under pressure is essential.
• Interpersonal skills: They must be able to build and maintain good relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Commitment to ongoing learning: They must stay up-to-date with changes in the law and continuously improve their knowledge and skills.

How to Become a Solicitor

There are several steps individuals can take to become a solicitor in England and Wales. These steps include:

1. Earn a law degree: To become a solicitor, individuals must first earn a law degree, which typically takes three years to complete. Alternatively, individuals who have already completed a degree in a non-law subject may be able to pursue a graduate law conversion course, which takes one year to complete.
2. Complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC): After earning a law degree, individuals must then complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC), which is a vocational training course that provides the skills and knowledge needed to work as a solicitor. The LPC typically takes one year to complete.
3. Find a training contract: After completing the LPC, individuals must then find a training contract, which is a period of supervised work experience that is required to qualify as a solicitor. Training contracts typically last two years and are offered by law firms or other organizations.
4. Take the professional skills course: During their training contract, individuals must also complete the professional skills course, which is a course that covers practical skills such as drafting legal documents and advocacy.
5. Pass the professional skills assessment: After completing the professional skills course, individuals must pass the professional skills assessment, which is a series of exams and assessments designed to test their practical skills.
6. Complete the vocational stage: Once the professional skills assessment is complete, individuals must then complete the vocational stage, which is the final stage of training before becoming a fully qualified solicitor. This typically involves working under the supervision of a qualified solicitor for a period of six months.
7. Qualify as a solicitor: After completing the vocational stage, individuals can then qualify as a solicitor by being admitted to the roll of solicitors. This involves completing the application process and taking an oath or affirmation.

It is worth noting that the process for becoming a solicitor can vary slightly depending on the specific requirements of the Law Society, which is the professional body for solicitors in England and Wales.

How Much A Solicitor Earn In The UK

The earning potential of a solicitor in the United Kingdom can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the individual’s level of experience, the type of law they practice, and the location of their practice.

According to data from the Law Society, the median salary for this in private practice in the United Kingdom is £59,000 per year. However, this figure can vary significantly depending on the specific role and the type of law being practiced. For example, those working in large commercial law firms in London may earn significantly more than the median salary, while those working in smaller practices in other parts of the country may earn less.

In addition to their base salary, they may also be eligible for bonuses or other forms of performance-based pay. The earning potential can also be impacted by factors such as their level of experience, the demand for their services, and their reputation in the field.

Overall, the earning potential in the United Kingdom can vary widely, but with experience and specialization, one can earn a competitive salary.

Difference Between A Barrister and A Solicitor

Barristers and solicitors are both types of lawyers who are qualified to practice law in England and Wales. However, there are some key differences between the two professions.

One main difference is that barristers are typically specialized in court advocacy and represent clients in court, while solicitors generally provide advice and handle the legal work behind the scenes. Barristers are also more likely to be involved in high-level and complex legal cases, such as criminal and civil cases in the higher courts.

Another difference is the way that barristers and solicitors are trained and regulated. Barristers must complete a law degree and then undertake a one-year vocational training course called the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). After completing the BPTC, they must also complete a period of supervised work experience known as pupillage before they can be called to the bar and begin practicing as a barrister. Solicitors, on the other hand, must complete a law degree and then undertake a vocational training course called the Legal Practice Course (LPC) before completing a period of supervised work experience known as a training contract.

Another difference is the way that barristers and solicitors are paid. Barristers are typically self-employed and are paid directly by their clients, while solicitors are generally salaried employees of law firms or other organizations.

Overall, while both barristers and solicitors are qualified to practice law, they have different roles and responsibilities within the legal system. Barristers tend to specialize in court advocacy, while solicitors provide legal advice and handle the legal work behind the scenes.

Difference Between A Solicitor and A Lawyer

A solicitor and a lawyer are both qualified professionals who are trained in the law and are able to practice law. However, there are some key differences between the two professions.

One main difference is that solicitors are qualified to practice law in England and Wales, while lawyers can be qualified to practice law in a variety of jurisdictions around the world. In the United States, for example, the term “lawyer” is used to refer to any individual who is qualified to practice law, while in the United Kingdom, the term “solicitor” is used specifically to refer to a type of lawyer who is qualified to practice in England and Wales.

Another difference is the way that solicitors and lawyers are trained and regulated. In England and Wales, solicitors must complete a law degree and then undertake a vocational training course called the Legal Practice Course (LPC) before completing a period of supervised work experience known as a training contract. In the United States, individuals must complete a law degree and pass the bar exam in order to qualify as a lawyer.

In terms of their roles and responsibilities, solicitors and lawyers can both provide legal advice, represent clients in court, and draft legal documents. However, the specific tasks and responsibilities of solicitors and lawyers can vary depending on the jurisdiction in which they are practicing and the area of law in which they specialize.