Legal qualifications

[Denise_uk]

Is an LLB the highest UK qualification a solicitor can have or are there others? Just wondered what all those letters after these highly paid people's names stood for?!

[Buenchico]

(2-part post):

The majority of solicitors (and barristers) start off by studying law at university, and then go on for further study to enter their chosen profession. However, plenty of people study law and don't go into either profession. (They might,for example, go into business administration). LLB after someone's name simply means that they've obtained a 'first' (= 'bachelor's') degree in law. It's not specifically a qualification related to being a solicitor.

All bachelor's degrees (in whatever subject) are 'taught' degrees. (i.e. the students attend lectures and tutorials). A student who does well in their degree examinations (typically obtaining a 1st class honours degree or a 2.1 degree) might be accepted to study for a further (master's) degree. This is usually a one year course and is most commonly, once again, a 'taught' degree. If a law student successfully undertakes such a degree course, he'll become a Master of Law and be entitled to put LLM after his/her name. (Note, however, that this would normally happen before the person had even started on the professional studies to become a solicitor or barrister. It doesn't mean he's a better solicitor!).

[Buenchico]

The most successful post-graduate students might be offered the chance to go on to work towards the highest level of degree, which is a doctorate. These are always 'research' degrees (as are a few master's degrees). The student doesn't attend any lectures but has to engage in original research in his/her chosen field. The letters LLD would indicate that someone had achieved a doctorate in law (but not that they had any specific 'professional' qualifications as a solicitor or barrister).

To confuse things further, some universities use different titles (and abbreviations) for their degrees. Someone with a master's degree in law might be awarded a master of arts degree (MA); someone with a doctorate in law might actually become a doctor of philosophy (PhD).

Chris

[Denise_uk]

Wow, I had no idea it was so involved! Thanks for that Chris.

[Ethel]

Most solicitors and barristers don't study for the Masters and further degrees - the LLB is enough to start the professional training which is the Legal Practice Course followed by the training contract (sort of on the job work experience) for solicitors or the Bar Vocational Course followed by Pupillage (on the job training) for a barrister.

[happyjo]

Hi

I am just finishing my law degree (LLB) which is a 3 yr degree. I start the LPC in September( September 08- June 09) Then once I have completed a Training Contract ( 2 years, comprising 4 x 6 month 'seats' in different departments, paid but not much!!) I will be qualilified.

6 years in training!! I am 39 now, I will be 42 when I qualifiy. OR DEAD!!! lol

J x

[Denise_uk]

Hi happyjo. I'm 42 now and I can't imagine undertaking all that! You have my greatest admiration!

[Barmaid]

It took me 7 years to qualify for the Bar - 4 years law degree, 2 years bar finals (I studied part time, had I done it full time it would have been 3 and 1) and 1 year's pupillage. Additional letters I have after my name are T.I.R.E.D!!!!!

[fredpuli47]

happyjo, unless you are exceptionally baby faced, console yourself with the thought that from day one lay clients will think you're very experienced ;) One counsel I knew was 45 when he was called. His first professional dilemma was in his very first case when his client said to him " I'm so glad I got someone as experienced as you: I wouldn't want a first timer' :LOL

[happyjo]

Fred
Baby faced??? I wish. I used to look quite young for my age. Alas, this degree has taken its toll.

and thanks for the nice comments denise!!!

J x

[Abdulmajid]

Just to confuse you further you can obtain a CPE (Common Professional Examination) in Law.

If for example you want to become a teacher from early on you study a B ED (Bachelor of Education) if not you study any old degree and then a PGCE (Post-Graduate certificate in Education)

CPE is therefore like a PGCE for those who did not study law as their first degree. And in most fields CPE (with your first degree) is as recognised as LLB in the the first place. Just as there is little distinction between B ED and PGCE in the school arena.