You need to complete both academic and vocational training in law practice. You need a degree in law with at least 2:2. You can also qualify, if you have a graduate diploma in law. You will also qualify if you have a degree with class 2:2 in any subject and a postgraduate Common Professional Examination. This is a lucrative profession and hence the stiff competition. The vocation training is after academic training. You can also continue to get further qualifications after starting your practice (pupillage) under a barrister. You can also take regular continuing professional development schemes (CPD), throughout your career.