Do I need a GDL to become a solicitor?

Are you a non-law graduate wanting to qualify as a solicitor? Did you know you don’t need to prolong your time at university and incur more student debt to qualify?

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route to qualifying as a solicitor was introduced in 2021 as a more flexible and accessible route to qualification. Some learners embarking on this route already have previous legal qualifications, but this isn’t a requirement! Did you know that as a non-law grad you do not need a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) to become a solicitor in England and Wales?

What is the GDL?

The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) is a 12-month, full-time, intense course that was mandatory for non-law graduates looking to become a solicitor via the Legal Practice Course (LPC) route. The GDL was in place to act as a conversion course where non-law graduates could convert their non-law degree. The course is very information dense and encapsulates the core elements of the three-year LLB degree into one year. After the GDL, the student would then need to tackle the LPC if they wished to become a Solicitor of England and Wales, alongside or followed by securing a training contract.

The new SQE Requirements

The SQE has replaced the old route (GDL + LPC + Training Contract) for non-law graduates and has created a much faster and more flexible route to qualification. Now, non-law graduates can use their degree in any subject and enrol straight into the SQE pathway without needing a conversion course.

To qualify, learners must satisfy four main elements:

1. Have a degree in any subject (or equivalent Level 6 qualification or work experience)
2. Pass both stages of the SQE assessment or be exempt
3. Have two years’ qualifying work experience
4. Pass SRA character and suitability requirements

This option to qualify with any degree opens up many doors for non-law graduates as you no longer need to convert your degree through the GDL, meaning less time spent at university and a lower cost to qualify. Even if you do not have a degree, equivalent Level 6 qualifications like CILEX or CLC can also meet the criteria! If you are not sure about your qualifications being valid, you can apply for the SRA to check and validate your degrees and other qualifications here.

How will I learn the legal knowledge?

Those who do have a background in law may progress through their SQE studies faster than those who do not as they will already have some of the foundation legal knowledge in place. However, those without law degrees are still able to gain the required knowledge and succeed in their exams through focused preparation. A key step to success is finding an SQE preparation course that has been built to suit your level of knowledge and experience. Law Training Centre offer a wide range of SQE preparation courses to guide and support you through your SQE journey, whether you have legal knowledge or not.

SQE prep courses are designed to cover everything you are required to know to pass the SQE, which removes the need for a GDL or conversion course.

Why remove the need for a GDL?

The SQE assessments test the core elements previously studied on a qualifying law degree or GDL at the level expected of a newly qualified solicitor, in addition to additional areas. This means that this core knowledge of the law is still required but can be achieved through preparation courses aimed specifically for the SQE assessments rather than returning to university and completing the GDL.

By removing the need for a law degree or GDL in advance, the legal profession has opened up to a wider range of people with other knowledge bases and experiences, bettering diversity in law and bringing in new talent from different areas of expertise.  For example, someone with a computer science degree may be better placed to work in Data Protection law, offering a different viewpoint from the usual LLB graduate. The SQE route considers all sorts of educational backgrounds, which gives non-law students the chance to qualify as a solicitor without needing to do the conversion course beforehand.

Qualifying in law is about more than just having a law degree!

Although the GDL is no longer mandatory to become a solicitor of England and Wales, there will be some individuals who would still prefer to do the GDL or a similar law conversion course which is still an available option with some providers.

If you previously ruled out a legal career because you didn’t study law, think again – you can still do it! This reform in legal pathways opens up so many doors for non-law graduates to allow you to make your dream of becoming a solicitor your reality.

Ready to start your journey to a successful legal career? Find out more about qualifying and our SQE preparation courses here.