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How to Become a Patent Attorney
Thinking of becoming a patent attorney? What you need to know …

Becoming a patent attorney is a well-trodden but highly specialist route into the legal profession, combining technical expertise with legal training. If you have a strong background in science, engineering or another STEM discipline and are looking for a career that sits at the intersection of innovation and law, patent practice offers structured progression, strong earning potential and genuine long-term prospects. As a recruiter working closely with IP firms across the UK, we continue to see steady demand for bright graduates who can combine analytical ability with commercial awareness.

In this guide, we explain what patent attorneys actually do day to day, where they typically work and what you can expect in terms of hours and salary. We also outline the qualification pathway, from securing a trainee role through to completing foundation and final exams and joining the UK Register of Patent Attorneys. Finally, we look at career progression options, including partnership, in-house roles and opportunities with the IPO or European Patent Office, so you can assess whether this specialist legal career is the right fit for you.
Becoming a patent attorney
An inventor can apply for a patent to protect their invention, providing it adheres to a specific set of rules and conditions. Patent attorneys advise their clients on this topic if they are looking to apply for a patent for their creation.
Here, we look at the role of a patent attorney, discover what’s involved, and learn about what it takes to enter the role. A patent attorney works in a specific area of law and therefore must specialise in intellectual property law.

| Patent attorneys are a legal specialists who help inventors and businesses protect their new ideas.

What is a patent attorney?
A patent attorney is a legal specialist who helps inventors and businesses protect their new ideas. They are experts in both science or engineering and intellectual property law. Their main role is to secure patents, the legal rights that stop others from making, using or selling an invention without permission. Typically, they have a technical degree and complete extra professional exams to qualify.
What does a patent attorney do?
Patent attorneys draft and file patent applications, guide clients through the UK and international patent systems, and advise on whether an invention is truly new and commercially worthwhile. They also handle disputes, oppositions and infringement issues, working alongside solicitors or barristers where necessary. They will perform a range of tasks during an average working day that can include:
Meeting with clients and providing advice and support regarding patent applications and disputes

Conduct research to determine whether a client’s invention qualifies as new and can therefore apply to be patented

Create a patent draft as part of the patent application

Make formal patent applications on behalf of clients

Represent a client in court where required

Research any changes in intellectual property law to remain up to date in the profession

To this end, you’ll need to be outstanding with written and verbal communication, and you’ll need excellent knowledge of the relevant areas of law. You’ll also become more familiar with the way a court works, as you’ll find yourself in that setting eventually. A good eye for detail is also vital.
Where would I work as a patent attorney?
Most work is based in an office, although there will be times when you’ll need to meet with clients. This could be at their place of business; alternatively, they may come and see you. You might also be called upon to appear in court, especially if representing a client in a dispute over a patent.

| Patent attorneys often require a good STEM degree (2:1 or above) to enter this specialised area of law.

How many hours do patent attorneys work each week?
Just as the work is usually office based, so too are the hours. You’ll typically work from 9am until 5pm, although there may be times when you’ll work later. If someone has a deadline to meet for an application, for example, your services may be required outside of office hours. Any appearances in court will be during court hours, but those are typically within the usual working day.
What’s the average salary for a patent attorney in the UK?
As a trainee patent attorney, you can expect to earn between £34,000 and £48,000 per annum, depending on location, working in private practice or large firms.
The typical salary for qualified patent attorneys is between £76,000 and £85,000 a year in established UK firms. This figure would increase if you worked toward becoming a partner in a law firm, obtained additional qualifications or dual UK/ European Patent Office registration.
(Salaries – indicative market averages as at 2026)
Is there plenty of scope for career progression?
Even though patent law is a narrow area of law, there is still a lot of scope for professional progression throughout your career. For example, some patent attorneys choose to become patent examiners. This puts them on the other side of the patent application process. Rather than compiling applications for clients, you’ll consider those applications when they come in. Roles can be sought at the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) in the UK, although some choose to apply to work at the European Patent Office (EPO) instead.
Another possibility is to make progress through the ranks in private practice. Associate or management positions may be worth considering, while some end up as partners. Obviously, such positions become available after gaining more experience in the role.
How can I qualify to become a patent attorney?
This role does require a degree (typically a 2:1 or higher), and this would usually be in the so-called STEM subjects:

Science

Technology

Engineering

Maths

One of these subjects is required at degree level if you wish to gain the relevant qualifications to become a European patent attorney. In the UK, you may be able to study a different degree, although one of the above is still highly recommended as it gives you more possibilities later. Moreover, employers often look for a degree in one of the STEM areas.
Register of Patent Attorneys
Once you have your degree, you would usually look for an opening as a trainee patent attorney. You’ll then study to qualify as a patent attorney while working for your employer. This involves completing a foundation course and a final course. You must successfully complete both parts to earn your place on the UK Register of Patent Attorneys, which confirms that you are qualified to work in this role.
Foundation Certificate or Intellectual Property Certificate?
There are two possibilities for the foundation part of the qualification. You can either study for the Foundation Certificate or complete an Intellectual Property Certificate Course. Both must be accredited by the IPReg (Intellectual Property Regulator) to count. In many cases, the employer will have a preference between the two, so if you prefer one over the other, consider which employers would match your ideal route to qualification.
Final Diploma
After completing the foundation part of the process, you would go on to the final stage, where you complete the Final Diploma exams. It’s also essential to gain real-world experience in the role as part of your training. If you are supervised, you would be expected to complete two years of practice in this field on a full-time basis. If unsupervised, this would be extended to at least four years.

| It takes newly qualified patent attorneys between 4-6 years to be listed on the UK Register of Patent Attorneys, many also go on to become European attorneys.

UK Register of Patent Attorneys
Most people take around four to six years to gain the qualifications required to be listed on the UK Register of Patent Attorneys. In many cases, employers will also want you to gain the qualifications needed to become a European patent attorney. This means you can work on more cases, but it also offers you more scope for the future if you decide to change companies.
While patent law is a small segment of the field of law, you can see that it is highly technical and detailed. That’s why one of several more specific degrees are required to get you on the path to becoming a patent attorney, whether in the UK or in Europe.
What are your next steps?
If you are serious about becoming a patent attorney, your next step is to assess both your academic background and your appetite for a long, structured training pathway. Law firms are looking for strong technical degrees, commercial awareness and clear communication skills, but they are also investing in people who show commitment to qualifying. Securing the right trainee role is crucial, as your employer will support you through the exams and shape your early experience in practice. Taking time to research firms, understand their technical focus and speak to those already in the profession will put you in a far stronger position when applications open.
Patent law may be a niche corner of the legal market, but it remains one of the most intellectually rewarding and financially attractive routes available to STEM graduates. For the right candidate, it offers a clear, progressive framework and the opportunity to work at the forefront of innovation. If that combination appeals, it is well worth exploring current trainee opportunities and beginning the journey towards qualification.
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29 March 2026
LinkedIn for Lawyers: Tips to Improve Your Legal Job Search
How to leverage your LinkedIn account and get the job you want …

LinkedIn has become one of the most valuable tools available to lawyers at every stage of their careers. Whether you are a law student beginning to explore your options, a paralegal seeking progression, or a qualified solicitor considering your next move, a well-managed LinkedIn profile can significantly strengthen your position in the legal job market. Used properly, it allows you to showcase your experience, build meaningful professional connections, and increase your visibility to legal recruiters and employers across the UK.

In this guide, we explain how lawyers can use LinkedIn more effectively when searching for legal jobs. We look at the importance of keeping your profile accurate and up to date, how joining relevant legal groups can expand your professional network, and why consistent networking is essential. The article also explores how sharing relevant legal content can raise your profile, how recruiters use LinkedIn to identify potential candidates, and why including the right legal keywords in your profile can help you appear in more searches.
Optimising LinkedIn to improve legal job opportunities
LinkedIn is all about making professional connections. Starting a new career in law can be daunting, as can finding a new position if you’re ready to move on or up the ladder.
Yet regardless of where you are in your legal career or training, now is the time to optimise your LinkedIn account to make sure it’s working well for you. And if you haven’t yet signed up, make sure you do so as soon as possible.
In this article, we’ll look at how you can make the most of your LinkedIn account to improve your job search and find better legal job opportunities.
Regularly review your LinkedIn profile information
Make sure your education and experience are up to date and accurate. If you finish a course, obtain a legal qualification, or change jobs, make sure that information is reflected in your profile.
This is vital even if you’re not actively searching for a new legal job at present. Chances are you eventually will be, and it is good practice to make sure your LinkedIn profile remains up to date.
And even before that point, you never know who might view your profile when they’re looking for potential new employees. Make sure your profile showcases your status, experience, and qualifications.

| It’s essential to ensure your LinkedIn profile is up to date, it showcases your job status, legal experience, and qualifications.

Join relevant LinkedIn groups with a legal focus
Make sure you choose groups that target your specific interests. For example, if you are studying to become a solicitor, focus on groups that appeal to that sector. Similarly, if you are currently beginning your career as a patent attorney, find some niche groups that cater to this interest.
It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the groups you join, too. While the membership count can suggest how active the group might be, you cannot always use this as a reliable indicator. We joined a group with over 14,000 members where the most recent post was two years previously. In contrast, a far smaller group with a membership in the low three figures was far more active.
Start networking … it’s essential
When you first start networking on LinkedIn add people you know first. Make the most of the My Network section, you can access this from the top menu bar on LinkedIn once you’re logged in.
You should see top picks recommended for you, based on your preferences and profile information. LinkedIn recommends people to connect with based on a couple of factors:
Your mutual connections

Recommendations based on your profile

| Face-to-face and virtual networking are essential to raising your professional profile.

So, while it’s important to maintain an accurate profile that focuses on your interests, qualifications, and experience in the legal field, it will also help LinkedIn recommend more relevant people that you might add to your network.
You’ll also see recommendations to connect with people in similar roles to your own. This may be useful if you are looking to diversify in the legal field.
Finally, you’ll also see who other people in the legal industry follow on LinkedIn. This can open possibilities to follow legal professionals and companies you might otherwise have overlooked.
Share relevant posts and interesting legal content to help you get noticed
You can add posts and other interesting content to your feed, your followers will then be able to read them. You can also write articles if you wish, but it’s generally easier to write regular short posts to stay visible. Consistency is key here.
If you write regular short posts, you’ll become more visible. You’ll also show your enthusiasm about your area of interest in the legal profession. Most importantly, you don’t need to be a legal expert with many years of experience to show for it either. Even if you’re still studying, you can share some of the experiences you’ve had so far. If you’re honest, people will appreciate it and see that honesty.
It’s also a good idea to share posts accompanied with images. Images make posts more attractive and pull in more readers. Watch for comments on anything you post, too. If people respond, it’s good to engage in conversation with them, whether they’re part of your LinkedIn network or not. If readers see that you’re active on the site, they’re more likely to engage with you again in the future.
And you never know … one of those readers could be your next employer.
Become more visible for potential employers and legal recruiters
Putting regular effort into your LinkedIn profile helps raise your profile and put you in front of potential recruiters. It doesn’t matter whether you’re studying an undergraduate course, working as a paralegal, or you are a legal secretary looking to move companies, LinkedIn can help you make progress.
If you’re actively looking for a job, you can access the Jobs section from the top of the LinkedIn site. You’ll see top picks for you based on your information (another reason to keep your profile updated), along with plenty more possibilities further down the page. You can also use the search box to look for something specific.
Bear in mind that even when you’re not looking for a job, recruiters in the legal field regularly use both LegalJobs.co.uk and LinkedIn to search for profiles that most closely fit job openings they may have available.
This also feeds back into your LinkedIn profile. People should be able to check your profile and see that you’re a legal secretary, a solicitor, or a risk lawyer. If they’re hiring, and they see that you’ve got the skills, type of qualifications and experience they’re looking for, you may be invited to apply.
Don’t forget to include relevant legal keywords in your LinkedIn profile
Keywords make your profile even more powerful. If you are a commercial property solicitor, for example, use relevant keywords in your profile that showcase your experience in this field.
Keywords work well when you’re sharing posts, too. If you have a separate blog based on legal topics, share those posts to LinkedIn as well. You’ll get more engagement and begin to build an audience on and off LinkedIn.

| Ensure you include relevant legal key words that relate to your legal experience and qualifications in your LinkedIn profile page.

Boosting your visibility in preparation for that next legal role
You can see that you don’t need to be actively job hunting for a legal position to improve your visibility on LinkedIn. If you regularly check and update your profile and post relevant updates and articles there, you’ll become more visible. And if you do that, you might find your next legal job ends up coming straight to you.
What are your next steps?
LinkedIn has become an essential part of the modern legal job search. A well-maintained profile, active networking, and regular engagement with relevant legal content can all help you become more visible to the people who matter. While it may take a little time to build momentum, the effort is worthwhile. Many legal professionals are now approached about opportunities directly through LinkedIn, often before roles are widely advertised elsewhere.
At LegalJobs.co.uk, we work closely with law firms, in-house legal teams, and legal professionals across the UK, so we understand how recruitment in the sector is evolving. Alongside maintaining a strong LinkedIn presence, keeping an eye on specialist legal job boards can help you stay aware of new opportunities as they arise. If you’re considering your next move in the legal profession, regularly browsing the latest vacancies on LegalJobs.co.uk can help you stay one step ahead and find roles that match your skills, experience, and career ambitions.
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19 March 2026
How to Become a Conveyancer
Thinking of becoming a conveyancer? What you need to know …

If you’re considering a career in property law, conveyancing offers a clear route into a specialist, in-demand area of legal practice. It’s a practical profession with defined qualification pathways, steady recruitment activity across the UK, and genuine scope for progression, whether you want to work within an established firm or eventually run your own practice.

In this guide, we explain exactly what a conveyancer does, where the role typically sits within the legal sector, working hours and salary expectations, and what career development can look like over time. We also break down the different routes to qualification, from GCSEs and A-levels through to relevant degrees, apprenticeships and the Council of Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) diplomas, so you can make an informed decision about the path that suits you best.
If you’ve ever bought or sold a property in the UK, you’ll undoubtedly have come across a conveyancer. While many people recognise the job title, few have any real understanding of what it involves. If you are curious to know how to become a conveyancer, the information you need is here.
What is a conveyancer?
A conveyancer is a legal professional who handles the legal side of buying and selling property. They make sure ownership of a home or commercial building is transferred correctly, that contracts are properly prepared and checked, and that all money and legal documents are dealt with safely and on time.

| Licensed conveyancer explaining property sale contract to client prior to completion

What does a conveyancer do?
Conveyancers are involved in many tasks to do with buying and selling properties and land. They carry out property searches, liaise with mortgage lenders and the other side’s solicitor, resolve any legal issues that arise, and ensure transactions are registered with the Land Registry once completed. Some are qualified solicitors who specialise in property law, while others are licensed conveyancers regulated specifically to carry out conveyancing work.
Some of the tasks they take on include:
Perform research to discover the legal owner of a property or piece of land

Contact local authorities for the property area to discover anything that might cause issues with the sale

Draft contracts

Keep records of the entire buying and selling process

Liaise with other parties involved in the sale, i.e. estate agents

Talk with clients to let them know what’s happening

Handle the exchange of contracts at the end of the process

Register transactions with the Land Registry once completed

There are many other tasks that form the bulk of a conveyancer’s daily workload, but the above list should give you a better idea of what you’ll do in the role.
While paperwork forms the backbone of the job, it’s important to make sure you have the personal skills and abilities you’ll need to call on as well. These include excellent communication skills, the ability to focus on detailed areas of law, and the ability to hit deadlines without fail, even when time is short.

| Conveyancers are involved with the buying and selling of properties and land.

Where would I work as a conveyancer?
Conveyancers are typically based in offices around the country. Built-up areas tend to offer more conveyancing businesses, as you’d expect. Many conveyancers work for established businesses, although those with more experience often set up their own businesses as self-employed workers.
On some occasions, you might be asked to visit a client or other professional involved in the process, such as an estate agent. However, most of the work is done in the office.
How many hours do conveyancers work each week?
Conveyancers typically work 9 to 5 hours, although it can depend on the business you’re working for. Some now open in the evenings and on the weekends to make it easier for their clients to visit them. It’s also possible to find part-time work as a conveyancer, again depending on the business and the available positions. It’s something to bear in mind though.
What’s the average salary for a conveyancer in the UK?
This varies according to experience and location. If you’re training or you’ve just qualified, you can expect to earn anywhere from around £19,000 to £27,000 per year. In some higher-paying regional or London roles, starting salaries can be a little higher, often in the low £20,000s.
Once fully qualified and with a few years’ experience under your belt, typically between 2 and 5 years and above, qualified conveyancers’ pay can increase significantly. Most employers offer salaries in a range around £32,000 to £55,000 and more per year depending on experience, firm size, and location.
At larger firms or in London, experienced conveyancers can earn toward the top end of this range, and highly experienced or specialist conveyancers (e.g. licensed conveyancer roles with management responsibilities) can exceed it.
Companies employing conveyancers may also significantly vary regarding the add-ons they offer alongside the salary. Such perks can boost the base salary given, along with a chance of commission in some cases.
Another element to consider is where in the country you live. London and the Southeast command the best salaries, but you’re also more likely to incur higher travel and accommodation costs. There will be more possibilities for jobs there as well, although the same could apply in any city or large town.
(Salaries – indicative market averages as at 2026)
Are there good opportunities for career progression?
You may begin work as a conveyancing assistant, moving on to become a licensed conveyancer. Some conveyancers work their way up at the companies they work for, potentially reaching senior management positions that pay better salaries. You could also start your own conveyancing business and employ others, thereby taking on more work and bringing in more money.
Some conveyancers also choose to undertake additional training to qualify as solicitors. Once you’re working as a conveyancer, you will begin to understand more about the role and associated areas that you might be interested in.

| There are several route to becoming a conveyancer including GCSE’s, A Levels, relevant degrees and CLC qualifications.

How can I qualify to become a conveyancer?
There are several ways you can become a conveyancer if you decide you’d like to work in this role. You can look for an apprenticeship near you or apply to take recognised training.
GCSE’s and A Levels
Many people who enter this profession do so on the back of strong GCSE and A-level results that get them into university. (However, it’s not the only way, as we’ll see shortly.) Your exam results should include passes at A* to C for Maths and English along with two other subjects. Alternatively, you could complete a Higher National Diploma (HND).
Relevant degree courses
It is important to make sure you choose a degree course in a relevant area, such as law or land management, as this will give you a good grounding to start with. Other relevant areas may include accounting, business, and planning.
CLC qualification
You’ll need to obtain a CLC qualification to be able to practice as a licensed conveyancer. This is offered by the Council of Licensed Conveyancers. This qualification confirms that you possess the specialist knowledge required to work as a conveyancer in property law.
You do not require any previous experience in the industry to begin studying for this qualification. However, if you possess up to date qualifications in certain areas of law, you may be exempt from certain aspects of the course; the CLC has more information on this on their website… Council of Licensed Conveyancers
You would begin by studying to receive a Level 4 Diploma, which is recognised across the country. This is followed by a Level 6 Diploma. The time to complete them varies, but the fastest time for both is said by the CLC to be 18 months. You must also obtain 1,200 hours of experience at a relevant conveyancing business or other business licensed to provide such services (such as a solicitors practice). This may be full or part time, running alongside your studies to achieve the two diplomas you’ll need to become a licensed conveyancer.
What are your next steps?
Becoming a conveyancer is not simply about gaining a qualification, it’s about building a practical skillset in one of the busiest areas of legal practice. If you are organised, commercially aware and comfortable working to deadlines, it can offer a stable and rewarding long-term career. With property transactions taking place in every town and city across the UK, demand for capable conveyancers remains consistent, particularly for those who combine technical knowledge with strong client care skills.
As with any legal career, the earlier you understand the routes in and what employers are looking for, the stronger your position will be. Whether you choose the CLC pathway, a degree route, or begin your career as a conveyancing assistant and progress from there, planning ahead makes a real difference. If you are ready to take the next step, keeping an eye on current vacancies and speaking to specialist legal recruiters will help you understand where the opportunities lie, and how to position yourself to secure them.

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19 March 2026
Transferable Skills for Lawyers: Guide to Understanding & Making the Most of Them

Optimise your CV to stand out in a crowded market …

Applying for a legal role often means focusing on qualifications, practice areas and previous legal experience. However, employers across the UK legal sector are increasingly interested in something that sits alongside those credentials … transferable skills. Whether you are a law student, a newly qualified solicitor or an experienced legal professional considering your next move, the skills you have developed through study, work and everyday life can play a significant role in shaping your career prospects.

In this guide, we explain what transferable skills are and why they matter when applying for legal jobs. We also explore the key types of skills employers value most, how they differ from soft skills, and practical ways to identify them from your own experience. Finally, we look at how to present these abilities effectively on your legal CV, including how to demonstrate them with real examples that strengthen your application and help you stand out in a competitive legal job market.
Transferable skills for lawyers
It’s daunting to apply for any legal position. You might be freshly qualified as a solicitor or several years into your career and looking to go up another rung on the legal career ladder. Either way, your transferable skills can really help you get the job you want.
It’s understandable that you’d want to focus on your legal qualifications, work experience, and voluntary work experience when compiling your CV to apply for various legal positions. However, your transferable skills matter almost as much – if not more – and it pays to spend some time identifying and thinking about how to promote them (and you).
If you’re about to gain a law degree, begin looking for your first legal position, or you’re hunting for your next role, this guide will help you understand what transferable skills are and how to identify them. You’ll then be better placed to make sure you showcase them on your CV in future.

| Showcasing your transferable skills to legal employers can give candidates an important edge in a competitive jobs market.

What are transferable skills?
Transferable skills are skills and abilities that you have developed through education, work or life experience and that you can use in many different jobs, roles or industries. They are not specific to one profession and can be applied in different workplaces and situations. For example, you might have worked in a shop, bar or restaurant when you were studying for your SQE or LLB. While that’s a long way away from any legal role, you’ll still have picked up some very useful skills that you can transfer into a new role.
A good example here would involve dealing with the public, especially in front-of-house roles. You’ll meet lots of different people while working in a bar or restaurant including customers, colleagues and suppliers. You might also have dealt with and defused challenging situations. Such experience would be good to have if you plan to become a solicitor, as you may meet people seeking legal advice who are facing tough situations in their own lives.
That’s why they’re known as transferable skills. It doesn’t matter where or how you gained those skills, just that you can continue to use them to help you perform well in a legal role as well.
Are transferable skills the same as soft skills?
Many people use these terms interchangeably, yes. However, some think of soft skills as things that you gain through life … for example, it might involve the way you interact with people. You might also have excellent self-awareness.
While you can use those traits to help support a new legal job application, they’re not quite the same as transferable skills. Here, you’re looking for things you have learned that you can take from one job to another, and even from one industry to another.
Let’s continue with the bar / restaurant analogy here. You may have gained experience in organising junior staff members and managing busy periods in that scenario. You can use this experience to show would-be employers your people management and organisational skills.
That’s just one example, but you can see that soft skills and transferable skills are important when you’re putting together your CV.

| Working in a bar or cafe can help develop a number of important skills that can be applied to many legal roles.

What are the main areas of transferable skills?
You’ll find all kinds of lists giving you ideas here, but we’ve opted to focus on eight of the main skills that you should consider highlighting.
1. Communication
Think about communication in all its forms. It doesn’t just mean talking with a variety of other people. You can also communicate in writing, for example. It doesn’t just involve public speaking either, it may relate to playing an active role in meetings, client discussions and negotiations.
2. Problem-solving
All legal roles will involve problem solving, and probably every day. Think about how you have solved issues that have arisen in other roles too. They’ll help to illustrate how you can bring this skill to a new legal role.
3. Time management
No matter what legal role you want to take on, from a paralegal to a solicitor to a company secretary, you’ll have multiple tasks to perform in a timely manner so good time management is essential. Look for ways you can demonstrate your ability to manage your own schedule and workload to achieve your goals.
4. Flexibility
Even if you’re brilliant at planning your day, there are going to be times when things don’t go to plan and you need to change as well, to be able to respond to the changing situation. If you’re flexible, you’ll find this easier to manage.
5. Teamwork
Many legal roles involve working with other people at times. Being able to work as part of a team is just as important as being able to focus and work on your own.
6. Initiative
It’s always good to see job applicants showing initiative. This could mean anything from taking notes you can refer to for answers later or suggesting solutions to issues that others may have noticed but done nothing about.
7. Commercial awareness
Commercial awareness is an increasingly valuable skill in many legal roles. It refers to your understanding of the wider business environment and how legal advice fits into it. Clients rarely come to a solicitor with purely legal questions, they usually have a business or personal objective they want to achieve, and the legal work forms just one part of that process.
Demonstrating commercial awareness means showing that you understand how legal decisions can affect clients financially, strategically and practically. For example, you might show an understanding of how different legal options could influence a company’s operations, reputation or profitability. Keeping up with legal news, developments in key industries and changes in the wider economy can all help you build this skill and show potential employers that you appreciate the broader context in which legal work takes place.
8. Willingness to continue learning
Even when you’ve got your degree or completed your legal course, the learning doesn’t stop there. Be proactive in continuing to learn as much as you can. This could involve research or taking additional courses on specific aspects of your career that interest you.
How can you add transferable skills to your legal CV?
Identifying these key skills is only the beginning. The next step is to add evidence of those skills to your CV … but be aware that this can sometimes be harder than creating a list of skills to start with.
Go through each job role you’ve had, including any voluntary and part-time jobs and think about the skills you’ve picked up in each one. Then think about how you can show that skill in action.
It’s always a good idea to make a list of examples for each role that clearly demonstrate key skills, even though you won’t add them all to your CV. Sending a tailored CV to each job you apply for is far better than sending a generic one everywhere.
Review the job description in each case and pick out the most relevant examples of transferable skills to add to your CV. Making your CV relevant to the job ad can mean the difference between getting an interview and falling at the first hurdle.
Provide evidence for each transferable skill you add to your CV
It would be easy to add a range of skills to your CV if you’re applying for any type of legal role. However, you can be sure everyone else will be doing the same. It’s not enough to say you’ve got certain skills … you need to provide facts, proof of those skills and how you applied them to good effect.
The easiest way to do this is to look at your CV and review your work experience section. Remember you can go through prior work experience and not just roles you’ve held in the legal profession. This is particularly important if you’ve only just qualified to enter the legal sector.
Jot down some of the transferable skills you gained in each role. You don’t need to represent all the skills in every position … just jot down some ideas about what you might include. Then add details of experiences to illustrate how you gained those skills. Write down everything you can think of, remember, you’re not going to include all the details on your CV as you’ve probably only got two pages. However, if you write a list, you can pick out the highlights you’d like to use when you’re face to face.
You might also want to choose things that you can easily remember. If you reach the interview stage, the interviewer might ask you to talk about those examples, how you applied them and the benefits they brought. You’ll need to be able to do all this without floundering or forgetting any of the details.

| Once you’ve identified those skills you want to highlight to employers you need to be prepared to provide facts, proof of those skills and how you applied them to good effect.

What can you do if you’re lacking in some transferable skills?
As you’re going through your job history and making notes about the skills you’ve picked up along the way, you may start to notice one or two gaps. While you may have good transferable skills in some areas, you may be lacking in others.
If you spot things like this, think about how you can fill those gaps. This may vary depending on the skills you’re looking for. To fill these gaps you might ask for additional responsibilities or projects in your current role, for example. Alternatively, you might take on a volunteering role that allows you to meet people from many different walks of life if you’re looking for more interaction.
You could also enrol for online classes or evening classes to help you improve specific skills and demonstrate your continued love of learning. There are lots of possibilities here, and many ways to pick up extra transferable skills that can help in your search for a new legal job.
Showcasing your transferable skills to boost your legal job prospects
Hopefully, you can see that your transferable skills are crucial when you’re putting your CV together to apply for a legal job of any kind. While you should list your qualifications and legal experience, don’t discount the value of your transferable skills … even if you’ve picked them up from other roles.
We gain experience from every job we ever do, whether we realise it or not. Working in a bar is a million miles from working as a solicitor, but many will pick up skills at the former that will help them develop as the latter.
Take your time to find and list your transferable skills, together with finding examples of each skill in action. You’ve then got a list to refer to whenever you are editing your CV to best reflect your most valued skills for a legal job position you want to apply for.
You should also be sure to review your skills occasionally as well. You will pick up more as time goes on, along with improving those you already have … both good to know and recognise.
Bringing it all together
Understanding and recognising your transferable skills can make a real difference when you’re applying for legal roles. While your professional skills, qualifications and legal experience will always be important, employers are also looking for candidates who can communicate effectively, manage their workload, solve problems and work well with others. By taking the time to identify the skills you’ve developed through study, previous employment and everyday experiences, you’ll be in a far stronger position to present yourself as a well-rounded candidate.
At LegalJobs.co.uk, we regularly see how applicants who highlight their transferable skills alongside their legal expertise are more likely to stand out to employers. Whether you’re looking for your first paralegal role, planning your next step as a solicitor, or exploring new opportunities within the legal sector, presenting your skills clearly can help open doors. Browse the latest legal vacancies on LegalJobs.co.uk and use the insights in this guide to ensure your CV reflects not only what you’ve studied, but also the valuable skills you bring to every legal role you pursue.

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18 March 2026
How to Become a Solicitor
Thinking of becoming a solicitor? What you need to know …

Becoming a solicitor remains one of the most respected and rewarding career paths in the UK legal sector, but it’s important to understand exactly what the role involves and how to qualify before you commit. From advising clients at critical moments to managing complex transactions and disputes, solicitors play a central role in the legal system. The route to qualification requires careful planning, academic commitment and, crucially, securing the right practical experience at the right time.

In this guide, we explain what a solicitor does on a day-to-day basis, where you might work and what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career. We also look at working hours, long-term progression and the current qualification routes, including the traditional degree pathway, paralegal experience and solicitor apprenticeships, so you can make informed decisions about your next steps into the profession.
What is a solicitor?
A solicitor is a qualified legal professional who gives legal advice and handles legal work for individuals and businesses. They help with things like buying or selling property, managing the sale or merger of a business, writing wills, dealing with family matters such as divorce, settling disputes, and preparing legal documents.
Most solicitors work directly with clients and manage cases from start to finish. If a case needs to go to court, a solicitor may prepare the case details and sometimes represent the client themselves, or they may instruct a barrister to speak in court on the client’s behalf.
What does a solicitor do?
A solicitor will undertake many varied tasks each day, but we’ve listed some of the most common ones below.
Providing legal advice to a client who is being interviewed by the police

Keeping client records

Representing clients in court cases

Draft assorted legal documents, including contracts

Maintain knowledge of any changes in relevant laws

Explaining often complex laws to clients in an easy-to-understand way

Researching cases and providing evidence

Providing instruction to barristers acting on behalf of a client in court

| Advising clients directly, often on complex legal issues can be a key part of a solicitors job.

Where would I work as a solicitor?
The workplace can vary more than might be expected. For example, you might work in a private law firm or with the Crown Prosecution Service. Other solicitors work with the government, either at a local level or in central government.
Still more solicitors work at various large businesses and organisations, handling all the legal requirements that may crop up in those situations. Others work for law centres, providing free legal advice to people in the community and dealing with various issues.
How many hours do solicitors work each week?
While many solicitors work from nine to five each weekday, the nature of the role does mean that working into the evenings and over the weekends may also be required. Many solicitors end up working long days, depending on the firm they’re contracted to work with.
A lot may depend on the firm or workplace you’re involved with. For example, if you’re representing a client who has been arrested by the police, you may be quite often needed out of hours. Conversely, advisory work won’t require such extremes. There is far more flexibility in the profession than some may realise, and this is worth considering as you explore the potential for a career as a solicitor.
What’s the average salary for a solicitor in the UK?
Currently the Law Society of England & Wales recommends a minimum salary of about £28,000 per year for trainee solicitors in London. However, in practice, many London firms pay significantly higher amounts, some large firms offer £40,000 – £65,000 plus.
The Law Society’s recommended minimum for trainees working outside London is currently just under £25,000 per year.
There isn’t currently a single fixed average salary published by the Law Society, but industry-wide data suggests that the overall average salary for solicitors in the UK now is around £65,000 per year across all experience levels.
Newly qualified solicitors can often earn more than this, with many London firms paying £65,000 – £85,000 and more for newly qualified roles, with some top City firms paying substantially more.
Location, experience and position can greatly influence the figure earned. A London based salaried partner will receive more than a regionally based associate solicitor, for example.
(Salaries – indicative market averages as at 2026)

| Opportunities for newly qualified solicitors to progress up the career ladder are excellent.

Is there plenty of scope for career progression as a solicitor?
We mentioned a few potential roles above … an associate solicitor, for example, or even a salaried partner at a private practice. Career progression can depend on the specific area of law you’re involved in. There are different possibilities in commercial and private firms and businesses, for example.
You may also go into other less obvious areas. The Government website mentions providing legal expertise within the armed forces, for example. Becoming a solicitor certainly offers plenty of scope for progression.
How can I qualify to become a solicitor?
There are a few ways you can qualify to become a solicitor. We’ll lay out the most common route first.
However, in all cases, anyone qualifying to take on this role will have completed their GCSEs followed by their A levels. You’ll typically need three good A levels before you can move on to the next stage.
The standard route to professional qualification
Law degree
The most obvious route to become a qualified solicitor is to gain a law degree (an LLB or Bachelor of Laws). The alternative is to gain a relative undergraduate degree recognised by the SRA (the Solicitors’ Regulatory Authority) as a qualifying law degree. The SRA provides extensive information about requirements for an undergraduate degree. They also list all universities offering such degrees. You must have a relevant undergraduate degree to be able to progress through the next part of the process. If you do get an undergraduate degree, you’ll then need to complete the Graduate Diploma in Law, known as the GDL.
Legal Practice Course or LPC
The next part of the process is to take the Legal Practice Course (abbreviated to LPC). This is a one-year full time course or two years if you opt for the part time option. This helps you gain the required skills ahead of your training contract, which forms the third part of the route to becoming a solicitor.
Professional Skills Course or PSC
You’ll train in at least four departments (commonly called “seats” in the world of law). Since each law firm varies in the provision of these seats, you should look at each potential provider in more detail. In every case, though, you’ll spend two years as a trainee with a law firm, completing the Professional Skills Course (PSC) along the way.
Roll of Solicitors
Once you complete your contract, you’ll need to apply to the SRA. If you meet their qualification criteria, you’ll be admitted to their Roll of Solicitors. It’s important to keep up with potential changes in the qualification process, as there will be alterations to the traditional route in 2032.

| There are several ways to qualify as a solicitor and gaining a law degree is a great start.

What about alternative ways to qualify as a solicitor?
After completing your A levels, you can apply to become a paralegal. A paralegal is someone who works in a legal team and supports qualified lawyers, such as solicitors and barristers. They carry out important practical tasks like drafting documents, researching the law, preparing case files, and communicating with clients. Paralegals are not fully qualified solicitors, but they play a key role in helping legal work run smoothly.
The Solicitors’ Regulatory Authority has a list of regulations that stipulate how much experience you need and in which areas before you can qualify as a solicitor via this route. You must cover three areas of law before becoming eligible to sit the Professional Skills Course (PSC) as mentioned above.
Another option is to choose a solicitor apprenticeship. You’ll be employed at a law firm, typically working there for four days every week, and studying for the fifth day.
What are your next steps?
Becoming a solicitor is not a quick process, but for those who are committed, it offers real long-term rewards. The profession combines intellectual challenge with practical problem-solving, and it provides opportunities to work across a wide range of sectors, from private practice and in-house roles to government and community-based work. As with any competitive career, preparation is key … strong academic foundations, relevant work experience and a clear understanding of the qualification route will place you in the best possible position.
If you’re serious about pursuing this path, start researching firms early, look carefully at training contract and apprenticeship opportunities, and keep up to date with regulatory changes that may affect qualification routes. The legal market continues to evolve, and informed candidates consistently stand out. At LegalJobs.co.uk, we work closely with firms across the UK and understand what employers are looking for, so whether you’re exploring your options or ready to apply, taking a proactive approach now will pay dividends later.

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18 March 2026