1. Reading Law at University & Introducing the Legal Professions

2. Why do people go into law?

3. Aims and Objectives
Our first aim of today’s session is to explore what it means to read Law as undergraduate.
Our second aim is to introduce you to the main legal professions within the ELS, by:-
Investigating the main professions
Identifying and explaining the qualification routes to each profession
Identifying alternative legal careers

4. So why is it so good?
Because it is tough it is a very well respected degree!
The subject itself is usually interesting!!!
You develop excellent communications skills for whatever career you are interested in!

5. How is it different to college?
There is MUCH
more independent
work! Usually only
10 hours of
contact time per
Week.
The a few hours of tutorials a week in which you will need to prepare for in advance....
How do you prepare?
Lots of reading and then answering questions which you will then discuss as a group. This can take up to about 12 hours per tutorial.
Usually about 8 hours a week of lectures listening to lectures and note taking.

6. So what about uni…
When studying “straight” Law at University there are some modules that are compulsory no matter which university you go to. These are:
- Criminal Law
- Contract Law
- Public Law
- Law of Torts
- Equity and Trusts
- Land Law
- European Union Law
There are then usually a choice of modules to choose from in addition and MIGHT include: Family/Child Law, Banking Law, Criminal Evidence, Human Rights, Internet Law, Medical Law, Environmental Law, Criminal Evidence .... Etc!!

7. So what do I need to get in?…
Different Universities have different entry requirements for law. Here are some examples....
University of Liverpool: ABB
(or DDD for Btec students)
LJMU: 300 points (possibly BBB)
Cambridge: A*AA
Oxford : AAA
(each with additional test.)
Edge Hill University: 300 points or Btec DDM

8. Combined Degrees
Law can be combined with other subjects such as Law and Criminology or Law and Business or even Law and a language.
If you are considering a career in law just check that you are covering the 7 core subjects – this is known as a ‘qualifying law degree’.

9. LNAT

10. These Universities require it:
Check site for dates and locations
Practice papers on site

11. Start thinking… Who makes up the legal profession in England?
What do they do?

12. The main professions are considered to be:-
Barristers
Solicitors
Legal Executives
Q:- Why are judges not included in these groups?

13. Barristers – General Facts
About in practice
Known as the Bar
Profession body = General Council of the Bar (Bar Council)
Self employed practice from Chambers, employed from various businesses
Must be a member of an Inn of Court
May be a junior Barrister or a QC

14. Barristers
Before you start your professional training you must join an Inn of Court
The course barristers must complete after degree is BPTC (usually 1 year FT)
After BPTC must complete a 12 month pupillage (shadow a barrister) before can take on own cases

15. Barristers – Training Routes
Non-Graduate
Mature Student
Law Graduate
Non-Law Graduate
1 year GDL
2 year GDL
Join an Inn of Court (Inner or Middle Temple, Gray’s or Lincoln Inn)
Either dine x 12 or weekend course
1 year Bar Professional training Course (BPTC)
(Formally the BVC)
Call to the Bar
Barrister
Pupilage (2x 6 Months)

16. Solicitors Over 100 000 in UK 75 000 in private practice
Work in partnerships or firms (some sole practitioners)
May be employed as junior solicitor, associate, salaried partner or equity partner
Governed by the Law Society

17. Solicitors – Training Routes
Traditional Route
Solicitors – Training Routes
No degree4 GCSE's
Law Degree
Non Law Degree
ILEX Course : 2 diplomas
Graduate Diploma in Law
2 years in solicitors office
Fellow of ILEX
Legal Practice Course
LPC
LPC
2 year training contract
2 year training contract
Admitted to the Roll of
Solicitors
Admitted to the Roll of
Solicitors
Admitted to the Roll of
Solicitors
Practice as a Solicitor
Practice as a Solicitor
Practice as a Solicitor

18. Note
Some Uni’s offer degrees that include the ‘Legal Practice Course’ saving you time and money
Some LPC courses are ‘bespoke’ and tailored to working in a particular area of law e.g. business law e.g BPP University

19. Legal Executives
Find out more about becoming a Legal Executive by visiting

20. Legal Executives – Learn as you earn
4 GCSEs
ILEX National Diploma in Law (General principles of Law)
2yr day release
ILEX Higher National Diploma(Specialise in 3 areas of law)
2 yr day release
2 further years of working
Become Legal Executive (Member of ILEX)

21. Summary…
In the main, there are three main professions within the English Legal System:-
Solicitors
Barristers
Legal Executives
Judges are not normally included in this branch as you cannot specifically train to be a judge without first pursuing one of the accepted professions.

22. Alternative Careers
Policing - see degrees in policing available e.g.

23. Legal Apprenticeships
level 3 Legal Apprenticeships are available. Aimed at students who want an alternative to the University route
There are lots of progression routes from this e.g. Level 4 Higher Apprenticeships