Ireland and Scotland

If you are studying for a degree in Ireland or Scotland, we would be happy to receive an application from you.  All non-law graduates need to take the GDL and LPC before starting their training contract at an English firm.  If you've read a Law degree, you may also need to complete part or all of the GDL in addition to the LPC if you choose to train in England.  This is dependant on the content of your undergraduate course.

Irish Universities: law degrees

From September 2004, law graduates from Irish universities looking to train in England are required to undertake English land law within their law degree.  As a result, some Irish universities have incorporated enough English land law into their degree courses to satisfy this requirement.  If your course doesn't include enough English land law, it's likely that you will have to pass a land law assessment as a freestanding module on the GDL before taking the LPC.  In any event, we recommend that you check with your university and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to find out whether this affects you.  For further information, please click here to download our handout.

Scottish Universities: law degrees

If you've read a law degree at a Scottish university and want to train in England, you'll need to complete the GDL and LPC in England and Wales before starting a training contract.

Scots-law graduates may be eligible for exemption from part, but not all, of the GDL.  This depends on the content of your law course, and we recommend that you check the details with your university and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).  If you do gain exemptions, you can complete the GDL part-time or by distance learning over one year.  If exemptions are not granted, you will need to complete the GDL in one year (full-time) or two years (part time).

To contact the SRA visit their website www.sra.org.uk.

For details about when you can apply for open days, vacation placements and training contracts click on When to apply.