July 10 2025

How can I become a lawyer in the UK: guidelines for international students

How can I become a lawyer in the UK?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive at UK Student Solutions, and the answer may be more accessible and strategic than you think.

If you’re an international student dreaming of building a globally recognised legal career, this article is for you. We have compiled clear, practical information on UK law practice pathways, exams, experiences, and qualifications, for those aiming for UK or international legal careers.

Proper planning, English skills, and expert help will get you there, and UK Student Solutions will provide support every step of the way.

Solicitor or Barrister: What’s the difference?

The British legal system’s structure rests on the two separate roles of solicitor and barrister.

🔹 Solicitor
Solicitors work directly with clients, offering legal advice, drafting contracts, and handling civil, corporate, family, property, and commercial matters. They may also represent clients in lower courts.

British barristers continue to wear the traditional gowns and white wigs, signifying the formality and heritage of the UK’s legal system. This attire is worn conventionally in higher courts and during professional ceremonies.

🔹 Barrister
Barristers specialise in litigation and courtroom advocacy. They represent clients in higher courts, especially in more complex cases, and are usually instructed by solicitors when court representation is required.

Although the boundaries between these roles are becoming more flexible — with more solicitors gaining rights of audience in higher courts — the two paths remain distinct and respected professional routes.

💡 Note: Not all students who study law plan to appear in court. Many pursue careers in corporate law, NGOs, diplomacy, compliance, international contracts, human rights, or other law-related sectors.

Route for those without a legal background

If you’re finishing high school or looking to begin your academic journey from scratch in the UK, the most recommended route is:

Foundation Year
Law Degree (LLB) – 3 years
Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE1 and SQE2)
2 years of supervised legal work experience (Qualifying Work Experience)

So, even if you complete your entire legal education in the UK — including the Foundation — you must still pass the SQE exams and complete the work experience to qualify as a solicitor.

Study at top-ranked UK universities

UK Student Solutions works in partnership with some of the most prestigious law schools in the UK, including:

🏛 Queen Mary University of London ( ranked among the Top 10 in UK universities for Law)
🏛 Queen’s University Belfast ( ranked among the Top 10 in UK universities for Law)
🏛 University of Southampton (ranked among the Top 20 in UK universities for Law)
🏛 Lancaster University (ranked among the Top 20 in UK universities for Law)

…and many others!

All of our partner institutions welcome international students into high-quality academic programmes. Many of them include work placement opportunities, allowing students to gain valuable practical legal experience during their studies.

Already have a degree? Here’s the fast-track route

If you already hold a degree in Law (or even in another field), you can follow a more direct route:

PGDL – Postgraduate Diploma in Law (Law Conversion Course)
Preparation for the SQE1 and SQE2 exams
2 years of proven legal experience (in firms, NGOs, corporate settings, etc.)

This route is ideal for professionals who want to adapt their background to the UK legal system and expand their international legal opportunities.

Interested in building an international legal career?

Not every student wants to practise law in the UK. Many aim to gain a legal education that meets international standards, to stand out in their home countries or work for global organisations.

The UK offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes focused on areas such as

🌍 Public and private international law
⚖️ Human rights and social justice
🛢 Contract law in the oil and maritime industries
📜 Environmental law and global governance
💼 Arbitration, compliance, and corporate law

Many of these programmes also include legal internships or law clinics, offering hands-on experience. Imagine returning home with a prestigious British degree and international work experience on your CV, or even launching directly into the global job market. That’s the competitive edge that studying law in the UK can provide.

What about English language skills?

Strong English skills is crucial for law students, who must be proficient in technical vocabulary, legal writing, case analysis, and oral argumentation.

UK Student Solutions can help you choose Legal English or academic preparation programmes to ensure you’re ready to succeed in your studies.

Why choose UK Student Solutions?

✔️ 20 years of experience supporting international students in the UK
✔️ Partnerships with over 60 educational institutions in the UK and Europe
✔️ Direct access to top law universities
✔️ Personalised support in English and other languages
✔️ End-to-end guidance with applications, visas, accommodation, personal statements, and career advice

Our mission is to transform your dream of studying Law in the UK into a concrete, secure, and successful academic and professional journey. We support each student with care, transparency, and a deep commitment to their future.

Global leaders who studied law in the UK

Fatou Bensouda, originally from The Gambia, served as Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Deputy Prosecutor at the ICC , Minister of Justice and Attorney General of The Gambia, and worked at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. A career marked by international justice and global leadership.

Throughout history, many individuals who shaped the global legal and political landscape studied at British universities. Leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi (Law degree from University College London), Nelson Mandela (studied Law by correspondence at the University of London while in prison), international judge Fatou Bensouda (University of Surrey – first African woman to serve as Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court), and renowned human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin Clooney (University of Oxford) are just a few examples of how the UK shapes professionals who leave their mark on the world.

Studying Law in the UK is more than an academic decision — it’s a step toward excellence, global influence, and meaningful impact on society.

Are you ready to take the first step?

Whether you’re a high school graduate or a professional seeking new horizons, UK Student Solutions is ready to guide you in building a truly global legal career.

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