A solicitor advises clients, drafts documents, runs transactions and disputes, and is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Since 2021 most people qualify through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE): a degree or equivalent (any subject), SQE1 and SQE2, two years of qualifying work experience (QWE) and a character and suitability check. A training contract is the most structured way to get that work experience: a firm employs you as a trainee for two years, usually across four seats, and often pays for your SQE preparation. Large firms recruit about two years before you start, mainly through vacation schemes, so timing matters. This roadmap covers the whole path: choosing a route, winning a training contract, passing the SQE, qualifying, and building a career after qualification. If you need a visa, check the Graduate visa rules early: it lasts 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026 and 18 months from 1 January 2027.
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Every stage from beginner to expert, with lessons, practice drills, projects, interview questions and free resources. Free with a Rolearch account.
Stage 1 of 4 · about 12 weeks
Understand how the solicitor profession works in England and Wales, pick your route, and test that you like the work before you spend money or years on it. Learn the legal system, the main types of firm, the SQE route and how training contracts are recruited, then get your first taste of real legal work through pro bono, open days and free virtual experience.
The legal system of England and Wales
Every application, interview and SQE question assumes you know where law comes from and which court decides what. It is also tested directly in SQE1 (FLK1 'Legal System').
How you qualify: the SQE route and its alternatives
Choosing the wrong route, or misunderstanding the timing, can cost a year and thousands of pounds. Firms also expect you to understand the route they will put you on.
Reading the legal market and choosing firms
Firms reject generic applications. 'Why this firm?' is the question that sinks most forms, and you can only answer it if you understand how firms differ.
Early exposure: open days, insight schemes and virtual experience
Firms want evidence that you have tested your interest in law. Early exposure also gives you real material for application answers and interviews.
Then 3 more stages (about 416 weeks in all) with lessons, drills, projects, 10 interview questions with strong answers and free resources.