Urdu translation. This page is translated from the canonical English version for general information. UK legal terms do not always translate exactly — check the English source for legal decisions and seek professional advice for important matters. The English page is authoritative.

Qualification Pathways

How to Become a Lawyer

Three main routes to qualifying as a lawyer in England & Wales. Compare the SQE solicitor route, the Bar route for barristers, and the CILEx route — no degree required.

SQE Route

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the standard route to qualifying as a solicitor in England & Wales since September 2021.

5–7 years from starting a degree

£38,000–£62,000 (before employer sponsorship)

8 stages

Bar Route

The traditional route to qualifying as a barrister, involving an undergraduate degree, the Bar Training Course, and a highly competitive 12-month pupillage.

5–7 years from starting a degree

£50,000–£75,000 (before scholarships and pupillage award)

7 stages

CILEx Route

The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) offers a practical, work-based route to becoming a fully qualified lawyer without needing a university degree.

5–8 years from Level 3 to Fellowship (shorter if entering at Level 6)

£7,000–£13,000 (significantly less than solicitor or barrister route)

6 stages

Judicial Appointments

The JAC-managed process for appointing judges in England & Wales, from part-time fee-paid roles to the Supreme Court.

15–30+ years from starting legal career to full-time judicial appointment

Free (the appointment process has no cost; prior legal qualification costs apply)

6 stages

Apprenticeship Route

Legal apprenticeships offer a debt-free route into the profession, combining paid employment with structured training leading to solicitor or paralegal qualification.

6 years (solicitor) / 2 years (paralegal) / 4–5 years (CILEx)

£0 — fully funded by employer and government (apprentice receives a salary throughout)

5 stages

Quick Comparison

	SQE Route	Bar Route	CILEx Route	Judicial Appointments	Apprenticeship Route
Leads to	Solicitor	Barrister	Chartered Legal Executive
Duration	5–7 years from starting a degree	5–7 years from starting a degree	5–8 years from Level 3 to Fellowship (shorter if entering at Level 6)	15–30+ years from starting legal career to full-time judicial appointment	6 years (solicitor) / 2 years (paralegal) / 4–5 years (CILEx)
Total cost	£38,000–£62,000 (before employer sponsorship)	£50,000–£75,000 (before scholarships and pupillage award)	£7,000–£13,000 (significantly less than solicitor or barrister route)	Free (the appointment process has no cost; prior legal qualification costs apply)	£0 — fully funded by employer and government (apprentice receives a salary throughout)
Degree needed?	Yes (any subject)	Yes (2:1+ expected)	No
Regulated by	Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)	Bar Standards Board (BSB)	CILEx Regulation	Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC)	SRA (solicitor) / CILEx Regulation (CILEx) / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education