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Whether you want to be a Solicitor, or a Barrister, your training will involve both an
academic and a vocational element. For both branches of the profession, the academic training
required is identical.
Academic Stage
A Levels
To pursue a career as a lawyer, it is not neccesary to have an A Level in law. In fact, many
of the better universities do not like to give Law Degree Courses to people who have taken A Level
law, because the first year of the degree merely repeats everything learned at A Level.
It is neccesary, however, for you to have gained good grades at A Level, such as B's and,
preferably, A's. A mixture of science and arts subjects will be looked favourably on by any
university, and analytical subjects, such as history and English literature carry added weight.
The Law Degree
A degree in law is not neccesary to become a lawyer, however, if you do not hold a law degree,
you will have to take a CPE (Common Professional Examination) or PgDL (Postgraduate Diploma in Law)
at a later date. When taking a law degree, it is important to chose a qualifying degree. This is a
degree which is recognised by the Law Society and Bar Council as offering the core subjects which
must be studied.
To get a list of universities which provide qualifying degrees, contact either the
Law Society, or
the Bar Council, depending on which branch of the
profession you want to enter.
The CPE and PgDL
Both the CPE and PgDL are intensive law courses, which last one year full time, or two
years part time. Both require you to study seven subject areas:
- Criminal Law
- Equity and Trusts
- European Union Law
- Contract Law
- The Law of Tort
- Property Law
- Public Law
Both of the courses can be studied at a number of universities.
Vocational Stage: Solicitors
The LPC
The LPC is the professional stage of your training, where you will learn skills such as
legal research, drafting contracts, advocacy and interviewing. Unlike the vocational course for
barristers, which is provided by the bar council, the law society doesn't provide the LPC.
Instead, it validates about 30 universities to provide the course.
The Training Contract
The training contract is basically a two year apprenticeship to a firm of solicitors.
Throughout the two year period, you will spend time in several of the firms departments, working
with partners of senior solicitors on cases, and appearing in court with them.
Vocational Stage: Barristers
The BVC
The BVC, or Bar Vocational Course is provided by the Bar Council, and lasts for one year full
time. It is a skill building course, in which you will learn the drafting of pleas and legal
documents, contract law, there is also a big focus on role-playing meetings with clients,
and advocacy.
Before starting the BVC you must join one of the four Inns of Court - Lincolns Inn, Greys Inn,
Middle Temple and Inner Temple.
The Pupillage
When you have completed the BVC, you will spend a year as a pupil to a barrister known as
a pupilmaster. You will have a desk in your pupil masters' office, where you will work with
him on minor cases and gain experience by appearing with him in court. For the first six months
of your pupillage you are not allowed to appear in court on your own, however, during the
second six moths you may be allowed to appear alone in minor cases.
© Luke Culverwell 2001, All Rights Reserved |
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