How to Get Into Criminal Law in England & Wales

HomeResourcesHow to Get Into Criminal LawHow to Get Into Criminal Law in England & WalesA comprehensive guide to becoming a criminal solicitor or fee-earner — covering the SQE, apprenticeships, CILEX pathways, and practical steps to launch your career.Based on current SRA regulations [1], Law Society guidance [2], and CILEX pathways [5].Key TakeawaysThe SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) is now the principal route to qualify as a solicitor in England & Wales — you do NOT need a law degree [1]Solicitor apprenticeships are available in England ONLY (not currently Wales) and combine paid work with SQE qualification over ~6 years [2]CILEX (Chartered Legal Executive) offers an alternative regulated pathway into criminal practice, distinct from the solicitor route [5]The traditional LPC/training contract route is being phased out and is only available to those already committed to it [1]Most criminal law work is publicly funded through legal aid — expect demanding hours but deeply rewarding work [10]Early experience matters: paralegal roles, police station representation, court observation and volunteering all strengthen applicationsWho is this guide for?This guide is for anyone wanting to work in criminal law in England & Wales — whether you're a university student, a graduate (law or non-law), a career changer, or someone with no formal qualifications yet. It covers routes into criminal solicitor and fee-earner roles. For guidance on becoming a police station representative specifically, see our PSRAS accreditation guide.Overview: The Journey Into Criminal LawChoose Your RouteSQE, apprenticeship or CILEX pathwayResearch phaseBuild ExperienceParalegal work, volunteering, court visitsOngoingComplete QualificationsSQE exams, QWE, CILEX qualifications2-6 yearsSecure EmploymentApply to firms, CPS, government schemesVariesBegin PracticeCriminal law solicitor or fee-earnerOngoing career* Timelines vary significantly based on your starting point, chosen route, and individual circumstances.What Does a Criminal Solicitor Actually Do?Criminal solicitors and fee-earners represent individuals accused of criminal offences, from minor summary matters in the Magistrates' Court to serious indictable offences in the Crown Court. Their work spans the entire criminal justice process.Police Station Advice & RepresentationAttending police stations (often nights and weekends) to advise suspects during interviews, reviewing disclosure, and protecting clients' rights during detention.Magistrates' & Crown Court WorkRepresenting clients in court hearings — bail applications, pleas, trials and sentencing. Solicitors conduct most Magistrates' Court advocacy.Case Preparation & Evidence ReviewAnalysing prosecution evidence, taking client instructions, liaising with CPS, instructing expert witnesses, building defence strategies.Client Management & SupportWorking with vulnerable clients, managing expectations, explaining complex processes in plain language, providing support through stressful situations.Solicitor vs Barrister: Criminal solicitors handle day-to-day case management, police station work and Magistrates' Court advocacy. Criminal barristers are specialist advocates typically instructed for Crown Court trials. Solicitors can gain higher rights of audience to conduct Crown Court work. This guide focuses on the solicitor and fee-earner route.The Legal Aid Context: The majority of criminal defence work in England & Wales is funded through legal aid — public funding administered by the Legal Aid Agency [10]. This means criminal solicitors often work within fixed fee schemes, and financial rewards can be modest compared to commercial law. However, the work is deeply meaningful: defending liberty and ensuring fair treatment within the justice system.The Complete Guide: Qualification Routes & Career PathwaysRoute 1: Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)Duration: Typically 4-6 years totalCollapseOverviewThe principal route to qualify as a solicitor in England & WalesWhat is the SQE?The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is now the main route to becoming a solicitor in England & Wales [1]Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)Replaced the traditional LPC/training contract route for most new entrants (from September 2021)Designed to be more flexible and accessible than the old systemYou do NOT need a law degree — any degree-level qualification (or equivalent) qualifies [1]Step-by-step pathway:Step 1: Obtain a degree-level qualification or equivalent (any subject) — or demonstrate equivalent academic knowledgeStep 2: Pass SQE1 — Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK): Two computer-based assessments covering legal principles including criminal law and criminal litigation [1]Step 3: Pass SQE2 — Practical Legal Skills: Written and oral assessments testing advocacy, client interviewing, legal research and drafting [1]Step 4: Complete at least TWO YEARS of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) — can be before, during or after SQE exams [1]Step 5: Meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements [1]Step 6: Apply for admission to the roll of solicitors of the Senior Courts of England & Wales📋 Criminal law in the SQE:SQE1 tests Functioning Legal Knowledge including criminal law and criminal litigation — directly relevant to criminal practiceSQE2 tests practical skills including advocacy and client interviewing — essential for police station and court workYour police station rep work (if accredited) or criminal paralegal work can count towards QWE if properly supervised and documented [1]Many criminal defence firms now structure their training around the SQE pathwayRoute 2: LPC / Training Contract (Transitional Only)Duration: Being phased outExpandRoute 3: Solicitor Apprenticeships (England Only)Duration: Approximately 6 yearsExpandRoute 4: CILEX / Chartered Legal ExecutiveDuration: Typically 4-5 years part-timeExpandGaining Experience in Criminal LawDuration: Ongoing — start as early as possibleExpandGetting Your First Job in Criminal LawDuration: Varies — persistence requiredExpandQualities and Skills You Need to ThriveDuration: Develop throughout your careerExpandWhat To Do — And What Not To DoDOResearch qualification routes properlyStudy the SQE, CILEX and apprenticeship routes from official SRA and CILEX sources — not blogs or forums [1][5]Get hands-on experience early — this is CRITICALCourt visits, volunteering, shadowing, paralegal work — any exposure to the criminal justice system helps. Firms will ALWAYS prioritise candidates with experience over those they have to train from scratch. Experience trumps qualifications every time.Prioritise customer-facing work experienceRetail, hospitality, call centres, care work — any role dealing with difficult or distressed people. This matters MORE than your degree classification. Firms want to know you can handle real people in difficult situations.Be realistic about pay and conditionsCriminal legal aid work means modest pay, long hours and emotional demands. Know what you're signing up for [10]Target the right firms strategicallyFocus on firms that actually do legal aid crime work. Use the LAA's Find a Legal Aid Adviser tool to identify firms with multiple duty solicitors. Research who they are, what cases they handle, and tailor every application.Build a practical CV that shows what you CAN DOShowcase client contact, resilience, shift work experience and relevant skills — not just academic achievements. Firms want to see you can hit the ground running.NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK — this is everythingThis cannot be stressed enough. Attend CLSA, LCCSA and Law Society events. Go to EVERY CPD event, conference and networking opportunity you can find. Most jobs in criminal law are never advertised — they go to people who are known. When firms see you at events, see how you operate, see what you can bring to the party — they are far more likely to employ you. Be visible. Be memorable. Be professional. [3][4][8][9]Stay persistent and positive — rejection is normalThe author made 250 applications, received 10 replies, got 2 interviews, and one job offer. One job is all you need — keep going! Every 'no' gets you closer to a 'yes'.Look after yourself — this job takes a tollHave interests outside criminal law. You'll deal with clients in extremely stressful situations and need to decompress. Hobbies and perspective are essential for long-term wellbeing.Learn to communicate clearly in plain EnglishDevelop your ability to explain complex legal concepts in accessible language. Your clients will come from all backgrounds and education levels. If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.Be flexible about location and hoursYour first job might not be in your ideal location. Be willing to travel, relocate, or work unsociable hours. Police station calls come at 2am. Court lists change at short notice. Flexibility shows commitment.Follow up professionally after networkingAfter meeting someone at an event, send a brief thank-you email. Stay in touch. When a vacancy arises, you want to be the person they remember.Get a driving licenceMany police station roles require travel at short notice — this is often explicitly stated in job adverts. Not having a licence limits your options significantly.Be computer literateYou need a high level of computer skills and to be IT literate. Paper and pencil is usually not used in court anymore except for short notes. Modern criminal practice relies heavily on digital case management, e-filing, and electronic evidence — get comfortable with technology now.Consider learning a second languageInterpreters aren't always available, especially at short notice. Any language skills — Polish, Urdu, Romanian, Arabic — are genuinely valuable in criminal practice.Shadow a duty solicitor for a full shift if you canSee the reality of unsociable hours before committing to this career. It's better to discover it's not for you before you've invested years in qualification.Remember that criminal law is a lifetime vocation, not a jobYou have to be really committed to be successful in this sphere. This isn't something you do for a few years — it becomes part of who you are.Think about why you want to go into criminal lawWhat is your purpose? What are you trying to achieve? Having a clear sense of your motivation will sustain you through the difficult times and help you build a meaningful career.Think about why a firm should employ YOUWhy should they choose you rather than the 10 other candidates they will see today? What will you bring to the party? Be ready to articulate your unique value — skills, experience, attitude, languages, availability — and make it easy for them to say yes.DON'TNever misrepresent your qualificationsLying about accreditation status or experience is a career-ending mistake. Full stop. The legal profession is small — word travels fast.Don't expect it to be like TVCriminal law is unglamorous, difficult and emotionally draining. There's a lot of waiting and behind-the-scenes work. As the author says: 'Five hours waiting and preparation for five minutes of glory.' Expect long hours, little gratitude from clients, and unsociable hours. This is not for the faint-hearted.Don't think passing exams automatically gets you a jobCompleting the SQE or LPC — even with a high grade — does NOT automatically lead to employment. Firms will ALWAYS prioritise candidates with experience over someone they have to train from scratch. Your qualification is the entry ticket, not the job offer.Don't underestimate the importance of networkingMany jobs are never advertised. They go to people firms already know and trust. If you're not networking, you're missing the majority of opportunities.Don't ignore alternative routesCILEX and apprenticeship routes are valid alternatives to the SQE — don't dismiss them [2][5]Don't send generic applicationsResearch each firm's practice areas thoroughly. Generic applications go straight in the bin. Show you understand their work and why you want to work there specifically.Don't expect high salaries early onMost criminal work is publicly funded legal aid with modest pay — much lower than commercial law. You're not doing this to get rich [10]Don't pay for expensive courses before securing a firmSecure employment or sponsorship first if possible. Don't start the LPC unless you fall within transitional arrangements. Many people complete qualifications and then can't find work [1]Don't assume your degree classification guarantees anythingA 2:2 with strong client-facing experience often beats a First with none. A First from Oxford won't help if you can't handle a distressed client at 3am. Practical skills win.Don't overvalue academic prestige or mooting achievementsFirms want persistence, teamwork, initiative and practical experience. Someone with five placements who understands the day-to-day reality of the job beats a candidate whose main achievement is winning a moot competition.Don't be discouraged by firms that seem guardedRegulatory constraints (legal aid contracts, supervision requirements) mean firms may not be able to fully explain their recruitment capacity. Keep trying — circumstances change.Don't forget Wales restrictionsSolicitor apprenticeships are England-only — they are NOT currently available in Wales [2]Don't wait until you're 'ready' to start networkingStart building relationships now. Attend events as a student or aspiring practitioner. The connections you make early will help you throughout your career.Don't badmouth other firms or practitionersThe criminal law world is small and word travels fast. Your reputation is everything. Stay professional even when others don't.Don't turn down work experience because it's unpaid or short-termEvery placement builds your network and CV. A week of shadowing could lead to a job offer months later when a vacancy arises.Don't be late or unreliable — everFirms need people they can count on at 3am. Reliability is everything in this profession. One instance of unreliability can end opportunities.Don't underestimate anyone — everyone talksSome of the most influential people in this profession can be those who seem least significant. Comments made to court ushers, prison custody staff, police officers, or anyone else — even off the record — have a habit of reaching decision-makers. Never speak negatively about colleagues, opponents, or anyone in the system. Maintain professionalism with everyone you encounter.Your Next StepsStart by researching qualification routes and building practical experience. The resources below will help you on your journey.Law Firms DirectoryFind criminal defence firms to apply to for paralegal roles, work experience or training positions SRA Solicitor Register Law Society DirectoryLegal Resources LibraryBrowse official guidance, legislation, forms and professional resourcesPSRAS Accreditation GuideLearn about becoming a police station representative⚠️ Only pursue this once you have secured a position at a firm willing to sponsor your accreditationFor Fully Accredited Representatives Only:Rep Directory — browse and register as an accredited repWhatsApp Group — network with practitioners (proof of accreditation required)Frequently Asked QuestionsHonest answers to common questions about careers in criminal law❓ Do I need a law degree to become a criminal solicitor?❓ What is the difference between a criminal solicitor and a criminal barrister?❓ How long does it take to qualify as a criminal solicitor?❓ Are solicitor apprenticeships available in Wales?❓ What is a police station representative?❓ Is criminal law well paid?❓ Can I switch from CILEX to become a solicitor?❓ What is the LPC and should I do it?❓ How do I find a criminal defence firm to work for?❓ What qualifications help me get a paralegal job in criminal law?💬 Still have questions?We are happy to receive questions by email, though please note we are unable to provide immediate responses. This is a free community resource — responses may take several days depending on volume.📧 Contact us directly:robertcashman@defencelegalservices.co.ukFor urgent police station coverage in Kent and surrounding areas, visit PoliceStationAgent.comImportant: We cannot provide legal advice, career counselling or act as your supervisor. This guide is for information only.Official Sources & ReferencesAll information on this page is based on official guidance from the following authoritative sources. Click any reference number throughout the page to jump to the source.[1]SRA: Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) Official Solicitors Regulation Authority page explaining the SQE route, QWE requirements, character and suitability, and admission to the roll.https://www.sra.org.uk/become-solicitor/sqe/[2]Law Society: Becoming a Solicitor via Apprenticeship Law Society guidance on solicitor apprenticeships, including availability (England only) and how to find vacancies.https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/career-advice/becoming-a-solicitor/qualifying-without-a-degree/apprenticeships[3]Crown Prosecution Service: Careers CPS careers page including legal trainee schemes, vacation placements and current vacancies.https://www.cps.gov.uk/careers-crown-prosecution-service[4]Government Legal Department: Trainee Schemes Information on Government Legal Service training contracts and apprenticeships.https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/government-legal-department[5]CILEX: Chartered Institute of Legal Executives Official CILEX website explaining the CILEX Professional Qualification, career pathways and membership.https://www.cilex.org.uk/[6]Law Centres Network Directory of law centres offering advice services and volunteering opportunities across England & Wales.https://www.lawcentres.org.uk/[7]SRA: Police Station Representative Accreditation Scheme (PSRAS) Official SRA page on PSRAS accreditation for police station representatives.https://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/resources/specific-areas-of-practice/police-station-representative-accreditation-scheme/[8]Criminal Law Solicitors' Association (CLSA) National representative body for criminal defence solicitors offering membership, training and networking.https://www.clsa.co.uk/[9]London Criminal Courts Solicitors' Association (LCCSA) London-based representative body for criminal defence practitioners.https://www.lccsa.org.uk/[10]Legal Aid Agency: Criminal Legal Aid Official LAA guidance on criminal legal aid, contracts and provider requirements.https://www.gov.uk/topic/legal-aid-for-providers/crime[11]CILEx Regulation Independent regulator of CILEX Lawyers and Chartered Legal Executives.https://cilexregulation.org.uk/Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and reflects the position as of November 2024. Always verify the latest requirements directly with the SRA, CILEX, Law Society and relevant employers. Regulations, fees, and pathways may change. We are not responsible for any changes to official procedures.Additional Helpful Resources• Law Society Find a Solicitor (for finding criminal law firms)• Find an Apprenticeship (Government service)• Read detailed articles on criminal law practice on our blog• Our Full Legal Resources LibraryAbout the AuthorThis guide was written by Robert Cashman, a self-employed Court and Police Station Duty Solicitor and Higher Court Advocate with over 30 years' experience in criminal defence work across England & Wales.Robert has been a director in a legal aid practice and has completed thousands of police station cases. He operates independently via PoliceStationAgent.com providing police station coverage in Kent and surrounding areas.Email: robertcashman@defencelegalservices.co.ukNote: Robert cannot provide legal advice, supervision or career counselling via this website. For professional enquiries about coverage work, please use the contact details on PoliceStationAgent.com.Article Ref: CLCG-20241126-A1B2C3D4Written by Robert Cashman, Court and Police Station Duty Solicitor and Higher Court Advocate.Revised by Robert Cashman on 28th November 2025© 2026 PoliceStationRepUK.co.uk / Defence Legal Services Ltd. All rights reserved.