Law in the UK FAQs

How long does it take to complete an undergraduate degree in Law?

Most standard law degrees in England or Wales. Several universities will offer an option for a four-year degree, which will include one year spent studying law in Europe (this will require knowledge of a European language) or a one year work placement. 

In Scotland, as with the majority of Scottish undergraduate degrees, the duration of a law degree is four years.

Can I practice in India after a law degree from the UK?

Yes, the Bar Council of India does allow Indian nationals who have completed undergraduate degrees in law in the UK to practice in India. However, in addition to a 3- or 4-year LLB, there are usually other conditions that need to be met before you can be licensed to practice law independently. The most common options are given on the Bar Council's list of recognised foreign universities. More recently, the Bar Council has also introduced bridge courses as an option for Indian nationals with foreign law degrees.

What are the next steps after my Bachelor's Degree?

To become a solicitor, you will have to complete a one-year LPC (Legal Practice Course), followed by two years on a training contract with a law firm. NOTE: From 2021, the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is being introduced, with the goal of phasing out and ultimately replacing the LPC. The SQE will have two stages, and combined with two years of qualifying work experience, candidates who pass will qualify as solicitors.

To become a barrister, you will have to complete a one year Bar course (BPTC) and then a one-year pupillage (shadowing of senior barristers) in chamers. 

Can I become a lawyer in the UK if I don't do my Bachelor's Degree in Law?

For students who have completed a UK Bachelors degree in any discipline other than law, they can take a conversion course known as a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). The GDL requires one year of full-time study and upon completion, the recipient will have parity with those who have three- or four-year undergraduate law degrees.

What do Barristers and Solicitors do?

A barrister is qualified to provide specialist legal advice to clients whilst representing, advocating and defending them in court or at a tribunal.

A solicitor is responsible for preparing legal documentation in the run up to and during a court case.

In short, barristers tend to focus on practising as advocates ina court of law, while solicitors tend to focus on legal work that can be done outside of the courtroom (e.g. drafting contracts, mediating disputes, executing wills, etc.). However, there is no rigid line between the two as solicitors can be given the right by a client to represent them in court. However, barristers tend to work in in higher levels of court more frequently than solicitors.