Normal
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 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).