2412 — Solicitors and lawyers

What this occupation covers

Solicitors advise and act on behalf of individuals, organisations, businesses and government departments in legal matters.

Typical duties

draws up contracts, leases, wills and other legal documents

undertakes legal business on behalf of client in areas of business law, criminal law, probate, conveyancing and litigation, and acts as trustee or executor if required

instructs counsel in higher and lower courts and pleads cases in lower courts as appropriate

scrutinises statements, reports and legal documents relevant to the case being undertaken and prepares papers for court

represents clients in court

Entry routes and qualifications

Entry to training usually requires a qualifying law degree or postgraduate diploma. Apprenticeships are also available. Graduates in subjects other than law must first take a one year conversion course. All entrants undertake a one year legal practice course, followed by a two year training contract. From 2021 Solicitors also need to pass the Solicitor's Qualifying Examination.

Sponsorship information

Higher Skilled. Actual duties, sponsor, applicant, salary and any transitional or shortage-list conditions must be checked.

Full Table 1 going rate: £51,600 at 37.5 hours. The applicable salary requirement can differ: use the calculator.

DBS assessment

No code-wide DBS assessment is assigned. Check actual duties, activities, workplace, frequency and jurisdiction. This code does not determine the level of check.

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