Converting to Law from a non-law background

[Wivate]

Hi all,

Coming from a Communications background, I am interested in pursuing a legal career with the long-term aim of qualifying as a Deputy District Judge. I have received an offer for an LLM SQE1 course from BPP (PGDL included) for which I applied due to the timeliness of the program (beginning in May, this offers PGDL/SQE1 and 2 assessment by December 2025) but after having reviewed online reviews of the school, I’m not so sure whether to accept their offer.

I am starting from scratch with regards to my legal career so my first course of action is PGDL. Are there any recommendations as to alternative programs/schools to consider?

 

[prospectiveswitcher]

Seriously consider before jumping into the course. 'Being offered' is not necessarily a positive sign from the law schools fyi - they will take anyone as they want the fees. BPP is not a bad school - all the big law firms send their trainees there, but I have heard of a lot of gripes people have with the place, but most get on fine.

You say you want to be a judge - so you would typically (but not always) begin as a barrister for this route. Why would you sit the SQE (the path to qualify as a solicitor) if that is your long term goal?
I would suggest taking some time to do more research before committing to a course of study. Most of the schools will be pretty much the same - nearly all the top law firms send trainees to either BPP or University of Law, and people have issues with both, but they are (probably) still the best options.

 

[Wivate]

I’m aware that receiving an offer doesn’t amount to much in light of the fact they want me to pay; I mentioned this because the program’s time-efficiency at BPP which combines PGDL, SQE 1 and 2 is what is appealing.

BPP’s full-time program begins in May and they have advised that I could qualify as a solicitor by December 2025 inclusive of PDGL and SQE 1 and 2, while UoL’s course begins in June and is only available on a part-time basis. I’ve been advised that practicing as a barrister is not a required route and that people have qualified as judges after practicing as solicitors.

You say that these schools are probably the best options, is this in respect to the non-law schools which offer law programs like UCL or Kent? What difference would it make to pursue legal study at a law school as opposed to a non-law school?

Thanks

 

[Jessica Booker]

I’m aware that receiving an offer doesn’t amount to much in light of the fact they want me to pay; I mentioned this because the time efficiency of the program at BPP is to accept.

BPP’s full-time program begins in May and they have advised that I could qualify as a solicitor by December 2025 inclusive of PDGL and SQE 1 and 2, while UoL’s course begins in June and is only available on a part-time basis. I’ve been advised that practicing as a barrister is not a required route and that people have qualified as judges after practicing as solicitors.

You say that these schools are probably the best options, is this in respect to the non-law schools which offer law programs like UCL or Kent? What difference would it make to pursue legal study at a law school as opposed to a non-law school?

You won’t be able to qualify by December 2025 unless you have gained two years of qualifying work experience by then. It will also be subject to you passing both SQE1 and SQE2.

It really doesn’t matter which university you do the GDL or SQE prep through - university prestige doesn’t really apply for such courses.

 

[Wivate]

The SQE route is more appealing as I have no desire to qualify as a barrister. A relative of mine qualified as a barrister about 15 years ago at BPP and to this day, she has never been able to practice.

 

[prospectiveswitcher]

I’m aware that receiving an offer doesn’t amount to much in light of the fact they want me to pay; I mentioned this because the program’s time-efficiency at BPP which combines PGDL, SQE 1 and 2 is what is appealing.

BPP’s full-time program begins in May and they have advised that I could qualify as a solicitor by December 2025 inclusive of PDGL and SQE 1 and 2, while UoL’s course begins in June and is only available on a part-time basis. I’ve been advised that practicing as a barrister is not a required route and that people have qualified as judges after practicing as solicitors.

You say that these schools are probably the best options, is this in respect to the non-law schools which offer law programs like UCL or Kent? What difference would it make to pursue legal study at a law school as opposed to a non-law school?

Thanks

You sound like you are actually doing the same thing I am - I am starting PGDL at BPP in May then jumping into the SQE1+2 LLM in Feb 2025. This means I will finish the study by Dec 2025. Jessica is technically right though - you don't "qualify" until you complete your 2 years working QWE (i.e. a training contract). Mine is due to begin in Feb 2026 so as to minimize time spent out of study/work.
Note though that passing SQE does not mean you are fully qualified - you still need 2 years QWE after passing the SQE.

People do become judges after being solicitors but normally - a quick google shows there are only 3 High Court judges who began as solicitors, I'm not sure on district judges though. You would likely need to become a solicitor advocate (i.e. gain rights of audience in the courts) and get ample court time to do this. You should note however this is a niche route, and not the typical career path of a solicitor at all.

Re. schools - as far as I'm aware UCL nor Kent offer PGDL type courses? An LLM is not a QLD (qualifying law degree) and you normally need a law undergrad to do an LLM anyway. If you mean do a full law undergrad degree - sure, you could do this, but they are 3 year courses. As far as I know only specialist 'law schools' offer the GDL/PGDL. Regardless, as Jessica has said, the 'pedigree' of where you do your PGDL does not really matter at all, as it is somewhat viewed as a box-ticking exercise. The only exception might be if you were to go the barrister route, City is typically seen as more prestigious (most barristers study the GDL at City, as it began as the original Inns of Court school).

 

[prospectiveswitcher]

The SQE route is more appealing as I have no desire to qualify as a barrister. A relative of mine qualified as a barrister about 15 years ago at BPP and to this day, she has never been able to practice.

Getting pupillage is fiercely competitive. Your relative likely passed the BPTC/BVC (basically the barrister equivalent of the SQE). But, as with the SQE, this does not mean you are eligible to practise. The Bar technically calls it 'being called to the Bar' but in actuality your relative likely never 'effectively' qualified. Many people do the Bar course and don't get pupillage - this is well known (and sounds like what happened to your relative). However, getting a training contract (now called a 'period of Qualifying Work Experience' [QWE]) is also fiercely competitive. I would just caution jumping into a course as it seems like you may need a little more research into what you are getting into - but you may also figure it out along the way. I know many people who started the PGDL with no training contract or pupillage and got it along the way.

 

[Wivate]

Thanks.

Yes, I am planning to begin study at BPP in May after further research and discussion as I do need to ensure that this is the right decision regarding a time/financial commitment.

It's good to know that, in spite of the competition levels, it's possible to work things out whilst studying. I am aware of how important it is to manage my expectations which is exactly why I asked this forum; however, I'm not going to let the high level of competitiveness defer me from achieving my professional aims - it's fiercely competitive for everyone and if everyone let that put them off, nobody would be progressing in their legal careers.

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Seriously consider before jumping into the course. 'Being offered' is not necessarily a positive sign from the law schools fyi - they will take anyone as they want the fees. BPP is not a bad school - all the big law firms send their trainees there, but I have heard of a lot of gripes people have with the place, but most get on fine.

You say you want to be a judge - so you would typically (but not always) begin as a barrister for this route. Why would you sit the SQE (the path to qualify as a solicitor) if that is your long term goal?
I would suggest taking some time to do more research before committing to a course of study. Most of the schools will be pretty much the same - nearly all the top law firms send trainees to either BPP or University of Law, and people have issues with both, but they are (probably) still the best options.

Most Deputy District Judges/DJs were actually solicitor rather than barristers though

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

You sound like you are actually doing the same thing I am - I am starting PGDL at BPP in May then jumping into the SQE1+2 LLM in Feb 2025. This means I will finish the study by Dec 2025. Jessica is technically right though - you don't "qualify" until you complete your 2 years working QWE (i.e. a training contract). Mine is due to begin in Feb 2026 so as to minimize time spent out of study/work.
Note though that passing SQE does not mean you are fully qualified - you still need 2 years QWE after passing the SQE.

People do become judges after being solicitors but normally - a quick google shows there are only 3 High Court judges who began as solicitors, I'm not sure on district judges though. You would likely need to become a solicitor advocate (i.e. gain rights of audience in the courts) and get ample court time to do this. You should note however this is a niche route, and not the typical career path of a solicitor at all.

Re. schools - as far as I'm aware UCL nor Kent offer PGDL type courses? An LLM is not a QLD (qualifying law degree) and you normally need a law undergrad to do an LLM anyway. If you mean do a full law undergrad degree - sure, you could do this, but they are 3 year courses. As far as I know only specialist 'law schools' offer the GDL/PGDL. Regardless, as Jessica has said, the 'pedigree' of where you do your PGDL does not really matter at all, as it is somewhat viewed as a box-ticking exercise. The only exception might be if you were to go the barrister route, City is typically seen as more prestigious (most barristers study the GDL at City, as it began as the original Inns of Court school).

You do not need to be a solicitor advocate to become a Deputy District Judge. Any solicitor who had 5 years PQE may apply.

I know someone going through the process currently who is a corporate solicitor.

The process is different in that they do the testing first and then they interview 2-3 applicants per space available. So the top percentage depending on number taking the test v number of positions available are then invited to fill in the lengthy application form where they demonstrate their competencies and their 2 referees (called assessors) have to do the same. Then there are further stages including an online assessment centre and interview