School of Law

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Once I graduate with a law degree, am I qualified to work as a lawyer?

A: No. If you wish to enter the legal profession you must undertake the appropriate professional training and examinations in the jurisdiction you wish to practise in.

If you intend to practise law within England & Wales, please visit:

The Law Society: http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/law-careers/becoming-a-solicitor/  (for information on becoming a solicitor)

Information on the Solicitors Qualifying Examination has been issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority: Solicitors Qualifying Examination guidelines

The Bar Council: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/careers/general-information-and-faqs/  (for information on becoming a barrister) 

Information for candidates who wish to practise law within other jurisdictions can be found below.  Please note, these links are provided as a convenience and for information purposes only.  The School of Law cannot take responsibility for the accuracy or content of pages maintained by external providers.

 

Canada

If you intend to practise law within Canada (outwith Quebec) please visit:

The Federation of Law Societies of Canada National Committee on Accreditation (NCA): http://flsc.ca/national-committee-on-accreditation-nca/

You may also wish to consult the Solicitors Regulation Authority accreditation list: https://www.sra.org.uk/students/courses/Qualifying-law-degree-providers.page

If you intend to practise law within Quebec please visit:
Barreau de Quebec: http://www.barreau.qc.ca/fr/devenir-avocat/index.html

 

United States of America

The State Bar of California: http://www.calbar.ca.gov/Admissions

The New York State Board of Law Examiners: https://www.nybarexam.org/Default.html

National Conference of Bar Examiners: http://www.ncbex.org/ 

 

India 

The 4-year LLB (Common Law) and the 2-year Accelerated LLB (Common Law) are recognised by the Bar Council of India for the purpose of enrolment as an advocate in India (section 24(1)(c)(iv) of the Advocates Act 1961). In the case of the Accelerated LLB and standard LLB+LLM students would have to pass the 'Qualifying examination for Indian students having a foreign law degree' to become eligible to take the All India Bar Examination. Students taking the standard LLB would also be required to take a one-year bridge course in India as prescribed by the Bar Council of India and specified according to Schedule II to the Bar Council of India Legal Education Rules 2008. Students need to obtain further information in relation to their individual situation from the Bar Council of India.

Bar Council of India: http://www.barcouncilofindia.org/

 

Australia 

Australian Bar Association: http://austbar.asn.au/for-the-community/becoming-a-lawyer

 

New Zealand 

New Zealand Law Society: https://www.lawsociety.org.nz/for-lawyers/joining-the-legal-profession/admission

 

Ghana

Ghana Bar Association:  http://ghanabar.org/ 

All candidates in possession of an LLB overseas must complete a Professional Law Course by the Ghana Law School: https://gslaw.edu.gh/programmes-academics/

 

Nigeria 

Nigeria Body of Benchers:   http://bodyofbenchers.org.ng/

Additional guidance on pursuing a law career within Nigeria can be found at: 
http://www.nigeria-law.org/Legal%20Education.htm

 

South Africa

Law Society of South Africa: http://www.lssa.org.za/about-us/about-the-attorneys-profession/becoming-an-attorney

http://www.lssa.org.za/legal-practitioners/professional-examinations