Career routes

Routes to qualify as a Solicitor 

Training contract
The training contract is a period of practice-based training for graduates. It is normally of two years duration leading to qualification as a fully fledged solicitor. During that period your time will be divided among particular practice areas ("seats"). Traditionally this has been four seats x six months but different firms operate different schedules, e.g. six seats x four months etc.

Professional Skills Course (PSC)
The PSC must be satisfactorily completed by all trainee solicitors during their training contract and before qualification. The PSC requires the equivalent of 12 days of full-time attendance and builds on the vocational training provided in the Legal Practice Course. It provides practical skills-based training in three compulsory courses plus a programme of electives.

Admission to the Roll
On satisfactory completion of the training contract you will be "Admitted to the Roll" - i.e. you will become a solicitor in your own right and will be eligible to apply for a "Practising Certificate" enabling you to advise and represent clients.

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Routes to qualify as a Barrister

First Six
The First Six is the first six months of pupillage and at commencement you will be assigned a pupil supervisor who may be referred to as your pupil master or mistress. Your time will be spent observing and assisting your pupil supervisor and other barristers in Chambers. On satisfactory completion of the "First Six" you will receive a certificate enabling you to work on your own during your Second Six.

Second Six
The Second Six is the second six months of pupillage. During this time you may have cases and clients of your own and may represent those clients in court. This is where you begin to build your reputation as a barrister

Tenancy
A Tenancy is where you obtain a permanent place in Chambers. Completion of the First and Second Sixes does not guarantee you a place in that set.

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