What Qualifications Do You Need To Be a Lawyer?
At MME Exams, we know how important it is to feel confident revising for the exams that lead into a legal career, which is why we always encourage learners to use trusted, well-structured resources from the very start. If you are working towards becoming a lawyer, it helps to know exactly which qualifications you need and in what order. This guide breaks it all down in simple terms, from GCSE level right through to professional training.
The Route Into Law At A Glance
Becoming a lawyer follows a clear set of stages rather than one single qualification. You will usually need GCSEs or an equivalent Level 2 qualification, followed by A Levels or another Level 3 qualification, before moving onto a law degree or conversion course and then professional training. You can see the full qualifications required for law laid out stage by stage if you want a clear overview before working through each part in more detail.
GCSEs You Need For Law
There is no exact list of GCSEs that every university asks for, but your results still matter, since universities use them as an early sign of how you learn. As a general rule, aim for at least five GCSEs at grade four or above, with a strong grade in English Language being especially important given how much reading and writing a law course involves. The most competitive universities tend to look for grades closer to seven and above. You can check the full lawyer GCSE requirement to see exactly what different universities expect.
Using Functional Skills Instead
If GCSEs are not the right fit for you right now, Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English is a helpful alternative. It counts as equal to a GCSE grade four, can be studied and taken fully online, and results usually come back within around ten working days. This makes it a good option if you need something quicker or more flexible around other commitments. It is worth checking the full necessary qualifications for law before deciding which route suits you best.
Choosing The Right A Levels
Most law degrees ask for grades somewhere between BBB and AAB, and the most competitive courses may ask for AAA. You do not need to have taken A Level Law itself, and many successful law students have not. What tends to matter more is picking subjects that involve plenty of essay writing and analysis, such as English Literature, History, Politics or Economics, since these show universities you can put together a strong written argument. Take a look at the A Levels needed to become a lawyer to see which subject combinations tend to work well.
Your Law Degree Options
After A Levels, most students move onto a Bachelor of Laws degree, usually known by its short name, LLB. This normally takes three years and covers the main areas of law such as contract, criminal, and public law. If you study a different subject first, that is perfectly fine too, since a one-year conversion course afterwards gives you the same core legal knowledge as an LLB. When comparing universities, the UCAS law guide is a useful place to see everything set out clearly in one place.
Qualifying As A Solicitor Or Barrister
Finishing your degree is not quite the end of the road. From here, you will train as either a solicitor or a barrister. Solicitors sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examination and complete two years of supervised work experience, while barristers complete the Bar Practice Course followed by a period called pupillage. If you want to see what these roles actually look like day to day, the national careers service law page is a helpful place to get a clear picture of the job.
Getting Started
Every stage on this list can feel like a lot to take in at once, but you do not need to plan it all today. Take it one step at a time, starting with whichever exams are right in front of you. When you are ready, you can sit your exams with Pass Learn and begin working through the qualifications you need for your future in law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take A Level Law to study law at university?
No, it is not required. Universities are usually more interested in essay-based subjects that show strong writing and analysis skills.
Can I switch from Functional Skills to GCSEs later if I change my mind?
Yes, there is no limit on how many times you can sit either qualification, so you can move between routes if your circumstances change.
Is a law conversion course a good option if I study something else first?
Yes, a one-year conversion course gives you the same core legal knowledge as an LLB, so studying a different subject first will not close any doors.
What is the difference between training as a solicitor and a barrister?
Solicitors complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination and work experience, while barristers complete the Bar Practice Course and a period called pupillage in chambers.
MME Exams Team
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