How to qualify as a solicitor with the LPC

Law is a popular choice for students to study at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. For those looking to turn their law degree into a recognised law qualification, the LPC is one of the options. However, in recent years, the LPC has started to be phased out in favour of the SQE. So what are the differences and who can take the LPC? Let's break down what it is and what the LPC includes.

What is the LPC?

LPC stands for Legal Practice Course. It's a law postgraduate course and the last step to becoming a qualified solicitor in England and Wales. The LPC is widely recognised by law firms across the country. It assures that you have learned the necessary knowledge and practical skills to become a permanent member of their team.

To complete the LPC, you will need to:

• Hold a qualifying law degree (QLD) or law conversion course (CPE/GDL)
• Complete the LPC
• Finish a two-year training contract
• Complete a Professional Skills Course
• Pass the Solicitors Regulation Authority's (SRA) character and suitability requirements

The LPC is split into two stages: The academic stage and the vocational stage.

LPC academic stage

Before your start your actual LPC qualification, you'll need to complete a qualifying law degree (QLD) or law conversion course (CPE/GDL).

A QLD is an undergraduate law degree offered in the UK and is validated by the SRA. The degree will focus on foundational knowledge and covering modules to ensure all students have the same level of understanding. It's worth remembering that not all law degrees are QLDs; check this before you apply to study.

A graduate diploma in law (GDL) is a law conversion course, for those who don't already hold a QLD. It's typically taken by those who studied a different undergraduate degree and is an intensive course to get you up to speed with all the core knowledge you'll need to become a solicitor.

LPC vocational stage

Once you have your academic stage under your belt, you'll move on to completing the LPC. You'll cover many important areas of law, including the fundamentals, not limited to:

• Advocacy
• Drafting and research
• Interviewing and advising
• Solicitors' accounts
• Taxation
• Wills and administration
• Writing

You'll also start a two-year period of recognised training which must be completed after your LPC. This is known as your training contract where you'll take up a role that gives you hands-on experience of being a solicitor and will develop your practical skills. During this time, you'll also need to complete a Professional Skills Course.

How long is LPC?

LPC programs are offered as full-time, part-time and accelerated courses depending on what best fits your timeline and needs. Typically, the LPC section of the qualification is one year. This will need to be taken after your QLD and before you start your training contract.

Who can study the LPC?

The main entry requirement for the LPC is that you have completed a qualifying law degree before applying. While it is being phased out, the LPC remains valid until 2032 for those who started the path to completing the qualification in 2021.

You are only eligible to complete your LPC if you completed, started, accepted an offer of a place or paid a non-refundable deposit to one of the following before 1st September 2021:

• Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) / Common Professional Examination
• MA Law
• Legal Practice Course (LPC)
• A period of recognised training / training contract

LPC vs SQE

If you started your journey to become a solicitor after 2021, you'll want to complete the SQE route to become a solicitor. There are some key differences between the two that are good to be aware of.

• The SQE requires you to hold a first degree - this doesn't need to be a QLD.
• SQE has standardised tests that you will need to pass in a certain order to qualify.
• Unlike the LPC, you can take the SQE before, after or during your training contract.

How much does the LPC cost?

The cost of the LPC changes depending on where you choose to study and when the course begins. The cost can vary anywhere from £8,000 to £19,000. Note that there is no government funding available for these courses, however, there are private funding options available such as sponsorship and scholarships.

The most common way students cover the LPC costs is by securing a training contract with a law firm that will pay in full or contribute towards the cost of your LPC. Some have also been known to contribute to your living costs while you study as well.

Some universities do offer LPC scholarships and grants. For example, the University of Law offers a Law First Scholarship, for those who achieve the highest score on an online assessment and have a first-class undergraduate degree, as well as the Campus Dean's Award.