You must meet specified academic and vocational qualifications before you can start practicing as a solicitor. The different qualifications include a degree in law, post graduate diploma in law, or qualification as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) can qualify you. Once you get the academic qualifications and pass Legal Practice Course, you need to go for further vocational training by joining and working for a firm of solicitors and passing the Professional Skills Course (PSC) during the period.

Legal executives are exempted from the training period, but need to take the Professional Skills Course. After you are fully qualified, you can take further training and qualifications throughout your career.