The GDL is a conversion course for non-law graduates who want to pursue a career in the legal profession. It can either be completed one year full time or as a two year part-time course. Upon completion, you can then move on to complete the SQE/ LPC alongside law graduates.

The SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) is the assessment that is taking over from the Legal Practice course (the LPC). The SQE is split into two assessments which are SQE1 and SQE2. SQE1 tests functional legal knowledge. The assessment is split into two parts, each made up of 180 multiple choice questions. The assessment takes place over two non-consecutive days and both tests are single best answer multiple choice tests. This can be completed at any time during the two year’s qualifying work experience but must be passed before attempting SQE2. SQE2 assesses practical legal skills. It also has two parts – four oral assessments over two consecutive days, and twelve written assessments over three consecutive half days. 

The LPC was the previous route of qualification for solicitors and if your law degree started before 2021, then you are still eligible for the LPC route. However, the LPC route was deemed to be inflexible as it created a high barrier to entry for the solicitor profession. In an attempt to increase flexibility, the SRA introduced the SQE.  With the SQE, an aspiring solicitor will still need to complete two years’ legal work experience but it is not limited to a training contract alone.  Volunteering roles, paralegaling and legal placements during university could count towards the total. 

An in-house lawyer works in the legal department of a larger company, while a private practice lawyer works for a legal firm which supports a variety of clients. For example, Rolls-Royce or Disney would have in-house lawyers working in their legal department. In-house lawyers work with one client so they have more of a generalist role as they have to assist the one client with a range of legal matters. On the other hand, private practice lawyers usually specialise in specific practice areas as they would work within one legal department at the law firm. With the new route to qualification through the SQE, more companies are opening up their legal departments with trainee solicitor roles. 

With so many law firms and in-house opportunities, it might seem a little daunting to choose what firms to apply for. This is especially important given the amount of time that needs to be invested in training contract applications. Here are some top tips to help you make a more informed choice:

1. Research: First thing to emphasise is that you don’t have to know the exact area of law you want to qualify in. That’s the point of a training contract. However, it will be in your interest to read up about various practice areas and think about which one you find more intriguing. Then find a list of firms that align with those areas you find interesting. 
2. Networking: Following the research on practice areas, the next step is to speak to people. At universities and online, there are numerous networking events for students and aspiring solicitors with various firms in attendance. Arm yourself with questions about the practice areas and what the work in those areas look like as you attend these networking events. This will give you a much better understanding of how your interests align with those practice areas. 
3. Determine what’s important to you: This step is crucial in determining what firms out of the ones you’ve interacted with align with your wants and needs of a legal career. With this step, you need to understand what’s important to you. This is where you start to consider location, salary, lifestyle, work/life balance of the firm and what you would want your life to look like. You can then cross-check what you consider important with the personality of the firm you have encountered.

A law firm is a business exactly like others. They need new Clients and need to retain current ones. Therefore marketing, networking and business development de partments are just as important as the Solicitors who work there.