Lawyer ranks at number four in the top jobs teens want in our 2026 Bitesize Careers survey. It's up two places from last year, but what does a lawyer actually do and how do you you begin a career in law?
If you like solving problems and speaking up for people, a career in law could be the career path for you. Our 'how to' video gives you more information about getting a job in the legal profession.
So you want to become a lawyer? If you like solving problems and speaking up for people, this could be for you. First up school.There aren't strict subject requirements, but strong A-level or higher grades can matter, especially in subjects that build research, analysis and communication skills such as Economics, History and English literature. Then there are different ways to go from there. One path is a legal apprenticeship or work based training where you can combine paid on the job learning with study. Another option is university. You can study law straight away where you'll probably need to sit an LNAT entrance exam, or you can switch with a law conversion or preparation course after your undergraduate degree, whichever you choose, or depending on where you live, you'll need to complete recognised qualifications and professional training, and the whole process usually takes between five and six ears. You could become a solicitor or barrister. Plus, law can open up other opportunities, from finance to journalism and even roles in the charity world. So could law be the path for you?
What is a lawyer?
In the UK, the term 'lawyer' most commonly refers to solicitors or barristers, who are legal professionals. However, studying law doesn’t just lead to becoming a solicitor or barrister. It can open all sorts of opportunities from finance to journalism, and even roles in the charity world!
What qualifications do you need to be a lawyer?
There aren’t strict subject requirements in school, but strong A-level or Higher grades can matter, especially in subjects that build research, analysis and communication skills. Alternatives to A-levels include taking a T-level in Legal Services (England-only), which is equivalent to three A-levels.
Once you've finished school, you could go the route of legal apprenticeships or work-based training, where you can combine paid, on-the-job learning with study. Alternatively, you could study law at university or switch to a law conversion or preparation course after studying a different subject.
This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed and the GOV.UK website for more on T-levels.
What to expect if you want to be a solicitor
- Solicitor average salary: £30,000 to £80,000 per year
- Solicitor typical working hours: 37 to 50 hours per week
What to expect if you want to be a barrister
- Barrister average salary: from £21,000 to £200,000 per year
- Barrister typical working hours: 40 to 48 hours per week. You could work some evenings and weekends.
Sources: National Careers Service, GOV.UK.
Christian: barrister
Christian's chambers (legal offices) focus on human rights work.
Laura: solicitor
Laura's a civil litigation solicitor in Kendal.
Jacob: solicitor apprentice
Jacob is completing an apprenticeship in Essex to become a qualified solicitor.
