Explore Law: Your questions answered

4 mins read

Are you interested in studying law but have questions about starting on the right path and how you should prepare yourself? Then look no further. Below we answer some of the most common questions we're asked when it comes to taking your first steps into law.

By Editorial Team. Published 19 May 2023. Last updated 17 July 2026.

What is an LLB law degree?

LLB is an abbreviation of the Latin Legum Baccalaureus which translates as Bachelor of Laws.

The LLB Law is a qualifying undergraduate degree that is the equivalent of a BA or BSC. The LLB is your first step on the way to becoming a solicitor or barrister and is made up of seven compulsory subjects which make up the foundation of legal knowledge.

Compulsory LLB subjects:

Constitutional/administrative law
Criminal law
Contract law
Land law
Equity and trusts
EU law
Tort law

The LLB is the most popular route for people who aspire to join the legal profession.

However, you need some postgraduate training before you can become a qualified solicitor or barrister. The LLB also teaches you so many transferable skills, there are many pathways other than law available to you after graduating.

We also offer many combined LLBs such as LLB Law with Criminology, LLB Law with International Business and more.

Should I be a solicitor or barrister?

This is a highly personal question and depends on what you want and what you enjoy.

A solicitor is a general practitioner who covers a wide area of law, whereas a barrister is more specialised. For example, a solicitor would cover all areas of family law, but a barrister may only focus on the financial aspects of family law.

A solicitor will:

Have a lot of contact with their clients who are businesses and the general public
Establish long-term relationships with their clients
Receive a regular monthly salary

A barrister will:

Spend a lot of time speaking and presenting in public
Mainly interact with lawyers, less with the public
Become an expert in a particular field of law and undertake specialist research

Choosing between a solicitor and barrister career path will depend on your interests, strengths and long-term goals. You can find out more about barristers and solicitors in our article explaining the differences in detail.

What skills and strengths do I need to be a good lawyer?

To be a good lawyer, you need a combination of legal knowledge and transferable skills. Key strengths include:

Excellent communication (both written and verbal).
Analytical and problem-solving skills.
Attention to detail.
Research and critical thinking abilities.
Teamwork and collaboration.
Time management and organisation.
Commercial awareness, particularly for commercial law roles.

Law firms also value candidates who can build relationships with clients, work under pressure, and make sound judgments.

What is commercial awareness?

Commercial awareness is understanding how businesses operate and the wider economic, political and legal factors that affect them. For lawyers, it means recognising how clients' businesses make money, the challenges and opportunities could clients face, how current events and legal developments affect businesses and how legal advice can support them.

Why are vacation schemes and internships so important?

Vacation schemes and legal internships give aspiring lawyers valuable practical experience and insight into the profession. They allow you to experience life in a law firm, develop practical legal and professional skills and provide networking opportunities with lawyers and recruiters.

Is the role of a lawyer the same in all firms?

While all lawyers apply legal knowledge and advise clients, their day-to-day work can vary significantly depending on a number of factors. Some of these factors include:

The size of the firm
The type of clients
The practice area
The firm's culture and working practices.

Although the core legal skills are similar, the nature of the work and client relationships can differ considerably. For example, lawyers in large commercial firms often advise multinational companies on complex transactions, while lawyers in smaller firms may work more closely with individual clients or local businesses across a broader range of legal matters.

Where do most solicitors work?

Most legal professionals still work in private practice, with The Law Society reporting in December 2025 that there are more than 95,000 solicitors in private practice alone. However, the need for legal professionals holding in-house roles is steadily increasing.

What are the benefits of a law apprenticeship?

If the traditional study route into practice doesn’t appeal to you, there are several benefits to considering qualifying through an apprenticeship.

Earn as you learn
Avoid student debt
Learn from experts
Gain valuable skills and experience

Law apprenticeships can be an alternative route into the legal profession. Learn more and see if one could be right for you.

What can I do to prepare for a career in law?

Law is highly competitive, so you need an edge, a reason to stand out from the crowd. Here are a few tips on how you can do that before you start your legal education.