The journey to becoming a solicitor is complex, filled with academic milestones, rigorous exams, and the quest for practical experience.
For those aspiring to enter the legal profession, having a go-to list of resources can significantly demystify the process and streamline the journey. This guide is designed to do just that—offer a concise, yet comprehensive, resource list for aspiring solicitors at various stages of their journey.
From essential reading materials and online platforms for academic preparation to networks and mentorship opportunities crucial for professional growth, I've compiled a list to guide you through the essentials of becoming a solicitor.
Whether you're starting your legal education LLB or gearing up for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or your traineeship, the links below aim to provide direction towards valuable resources to help you navigate your path with confidence.
Embark on your legal career equipped with the right tools and knowledge. Let's dive into the resources that will help pave your way to becoming a solicitor, in no particular order...
Forage: free virtual work experience online with certificate on completion
Legable: all resources, scholarships and law-related opportunities and work experience in one place and helpfully categorised by stage and country
Diversity+: A DE&I consultancy who's vision is to build a business sector which better reflects Scotland's population, multicultural society and diverse talent.
GROW Mentoring: 1-to-1 free mentoring & fantastic events
LawCareers.Net: one-stop online resource for future lawyers & those who recruit them
Aspiring Solicitors: career support for diverse aspiring solicitors, aiming to increase diversity within the legal profession.
STRIVE: access scheme for state-educated students
The Law Society of Scotland: information on becoming a solicitor in Scotland and career pathways etc
The Law Society: information on becoming a solicitor in England & Wales and career pathways etc
Vantage : connects you with top legal employers
AllAboutLaw : jobs, courses, events and advice
The Lawyer: news, insights & events
Lexology : international legal updates & webinars
Legal Cheek : news, insights, career advice & virtual vacation schemes
Chambers Student : comprehensive firms research & reports
Young Professionals : student network & events
Uptree : events, resources & courses
SEO London Corporate Law : 1-to-1 support & programmes
Law School 2.0 : legal tech, events & vacation schemes
upReach : social mobility charity - personalised career support & programmes
The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) : an online school to becoming a successful lawyer, peer support & advice
The 93% Club : events & networking aimed at those who were state school educated
The Lawyer Portal: guides, tests and resources for everyone considering a career in law
Thomson Reuters Westlaw : legal research platform & tools
targetjobs UK : graduate events, schemes & internships
Future City Lawyers : career events, legal commercial awareness for students
SYLA : The Scottish Young Lawyers’ Association (SYLA) is Scotland’s leading membership organisation for junior lawyers.
LexisNexis UK : legal research & reports and providing inter-connected legal and business content with analytical decision-making tools (££)
Legal Business Magazine : Legal news, blogs, commentary and analysis from the market-leading magazine for legal professionals
The Legal 500 (Legalease) : world's leading legal directory - events, webinars & more
Bright Network : career advice, events, internships & more
PRIME : alliance of law firms & in-house teams determined to improve access and socio-economic diversity in the legal profession
Hey legal : innovative content, events and resources for the legal community
Legal Women: free UK magazine for those working in law regardless of gender
Next 100 years : The Next 100 Years will continue the work of the First 100 Years, capturing the inspirational stories of today’s pioneering women lawyers, educating the public on the legacy of the legal pioneers of the past and driving the change needed to create an equal future for women in the profession.
The Student Lawyer: One-stop shop for law students and information for school pupils
Little Law: 3-minute newsletter keeping 12,000 aspiring lawyers in the loop
What the Lawyer: Instagram page with bite-sized content
Crafty counsel: home of in-house legal content
Law Society Gazette: the publication of record to solicitors in England & Wales
Are there any resources missing that you would have included? If so get in touch and I will begin a Part II.
By Nadia Cook
(aka 'The Scottish Lawyer')
The Scottish Lawyer has created a FREE templates especially geared towards LLB law students to assist you with drafting case notes/briefings and note taking in tutorials - click here to access the materials via our website and download your own templates now.
You can find more information about studying the LLB in Scotland and the routes to becoming a qualified Scottish Solicitor on the Law Society of Scotland's website.
Views expressed in guest posts are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of The Scottish Lawyer.
The copyright of this work (other than credit provided above) is owned by The Scottish Lawyer. Please do not republish this work without permission. If you wish to re-post this work either in whole or in part, please contact thescottishlawyer.nadiacook@gmail.com
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