How to Get Into Criminal Law in England & Wales
Qualification routes, legal aid context, and practical steps for criminal solicitors, fee-earners, and police station representatives — general information only.
Last updated: 1 June 2026 · Author: Robert Cashman, Duty Solicitor & Higher Court Advocate
Who this guide is for
Students, graduates, career changers, and paralegals exploring criminal defence. For the dedicated police station rep route, see PSRAS accreditation guide.
What criminal lawyers do
- Police station — advise suspects in custody, disclosure, interview (often nights and weekends)
- Magistrates' and Crown Court — bail, pleas, trials, sentencing (solicitors and barristers)
- Case preparation — evidence review, client care, CPS liaison, experts
Solicitors manage cases end-to-end; barristers are specialist advocates usually instructed for Crown Court trials. This guide focuses on solicitor and fee-earner routes.
Legal aid context
Most criminal defence in England and Wales is publicly funded through the Legal Aid Agency criminal scheme. Expect demanding hours and modest pay compared with commercial law — but work centred on liberty and fair process.
Qualification routes
SQE route (principal solicitor path)
Degree or equivalent → SQE1 (functioning legal knowledge) → SQE2 (practical skills) → two years qualifying work experience (QWE) → SRA character and suitability → admission. Criminal law and litigation appear in SQE assessments. See SRA SQE guidance.
Solicitor apprenticeship (England only)
Paid apprenticeship combining work and SQE qualification over approximately six years. Not currently available in Wales. See Law Society apprenticeship guidance.
CILEX / Chartered Legal Executive
Alternative regulated pathway into legal practice including criminal work. Distinct from the solicitor route but can lead to further qualification. See CILEX.
LPC / training contract (transitional only)
The LPC route is transitional for those who started before SQE reforms. New entrants should assume SQE unless they fall within SRA transitional arrangements.
Police station rep route (PSRAS)
PSRAS is a competence-based route into criminal defence at the police station — often 12–18 months with firm sponsorship. No law degree required. Does not qualify you for court. Many use it as a specialist career or stepping stone. Full PSRAS guide →
Gaining experience
Firms prioritise candidates with real exposure: paralegal roles, court visits, volunteering at law centres, police station shadowing, and client-facing work history. Qualifications open doors; experience gets offers.
Do and don't
Do
- Research routes from official SRA, Law Society, and CILEX sources — not forums alone
- Get hands-on experience early: paralegal work, court visits, volunteering, police station exposure
- Network at CLSA, LCCSA, and Law Society events — many roles are never advertised
- Be realistic about legal aid pay and unsocial hours
- Tailor applications to firms that actually do criminal legal aid work
Don't
- Misrepresent qualifications or experience — the profession is small
- Assume passing exams automatically leads to a job
- Send generic applications without researching the firm
- Ignore CILEX and apprenticeship routes
- Pay for expensive courses before securing firm sponsorship where possible
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a law degree to become a criminal solicitor?+
No for the SQE route — you need a degree or equivalent, but it need not be in law. PSRAS similarly does not require a law degree.
What is the difference between a criminal solicitor and a barrister?+
Solicitors manage cases, do police station work, and conduct most magistrates' court advocacy. Barristers are specialist advocates, usually instructed for Crown Court trials. Solicitors can obtain higher rights of audience.
How long does qualification take?+
SQE routes often take four to six years total depending on QWE timing. PSRAS accreditation is often 12–18 months once you have a supervising firm.
What is a police station representative?+
A non-solicitor accredited through PSRAS to advise at custody. A common entry point into criminal defence. See our PSRAS guide.
Is criminal law well paid?+
Most criminal defence is legal-aid funded with modest fees compared to commercial law. Police station work uses fixed fees under the Standard Crime Contract. See our rates guide.
Related guides
Sources & further reading
Links are to official publishers (legislation, gov.uk, CPS, LAA, Sentencing Council). Case law on this site is limited to entries in our verified case-law registry. Always confirm the current version before relying on it in live advice.
Need help?
Find an accredited police station representative or get in touch.