Legal education in the United Kingdom
Requirements for becoming a lawyer in England and Wales and in Northern Ireland differ slightly depending on whether the individual plans to become a solicitor or barrister. All prospective lawyers must first however possess a qualifying law degree, or have completed a conversion course. A qualifying law degree in England and Wales must contain modules covering the following subject areas:Following graduation, the paths towards qualification as a solicitor or barrister diverge. Prospective solicitors must enroll with the Law Society of England and Wales as a student member and take a one-year course called the Legal Practice Course (LPC), usually followed by two years' apprenticeship, known as a training contract. Prospective barristers must first apply to join one of the four Inns of Court and then complete the one-year Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), followed by a year training in a set of barristers' chambers, known as pupillage.
*Northumbria offers an 'exempting degree' in which the LPC or BVC is combined with the qualifying law degree into a four-year course
King's Inns
From almost the moment that King's Inns was founded, London required Irishmen who wished to practise as barristers to attend the inns of court in London, and that requirement stayed in place until the late nineteenth century. Only from the middle of the eighteenth century onwards were courses of legal education provided at King's Inns. Candidates who have an approved law degree may apply for "the Degree of Barrister-at-Law" (). Alternatively, candidates without an approved law degree may undertake the society's "Diploma in Legal Studies" before presenting for the society's degree. Those who are presented with the degree are entitled to be called to and practice at the Bar of Ireland. In 2006, the society had an enrollment of approximately 300 students, whilst there are approximately 2,000 practicing barristers.