Solicitor
Advise clients on the law and represent them in legal matters.
This UK solicitor career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £28,000 - £50,000 (trainee / NQ)
- Mid-career salary
- £60,000 - £100,000
- Senior salary
- £120,000 - £300,000+ (partner, top firms)
- Work environment
- Office, demanding hours at top firms
- Time to entry
- 5 - 7 years (incl. SQE)
- Degree required
- Yes (law or conversion + SQE)
- Category
- Business, Finance and Legal
What a Solicitor does
Advise clients on the law and represent them in legal matters.
- Corporate Solicitor - Advise companies on deals, contracts, and governance.
- Family Solicitor - Handle divorce, custody, and family disputes.
- Criminal Solicitor - Represent people charged with criminal offences.
How to become a Solicitor
- Look up Solicitor roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Solicitor - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Analytical thinking
- Writing
- Attention to detail
- Resilience