Northumbria’s Legal Practice LLM helps you make the transition from the classroom to the courtroom.

Acting as a bridge between the academic study of law and the practice of law, you will get the opportunity to apply the legal knowledge you gain on the programme in a practical way. Approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority as a training route, this LLM offers you the chance to gain an internationally recognised LLM qualification in addition to your LPC.

Our LLM in Legal Practice allows you to choose a specialism and to study the areas of law you are most interested in, whilst preparing you for a training contract and life as a solicitor. The LLM is also eligible for a Government Postgraduate Loan unlike a standalone LPC.

As an LPC LLM student you will get tailored careers support which will help give your career an edge.

Northumbria University works in partnership with Citizens Advice Newcastle and Support Through Court, legal charities providing advice, assistance and/or support to individuals and promoting access to justice. You will have the opportunity, subject to successful application, to volunteer with these organisations to develop your legal skills, enhance your employability and assist individuals with advice, assistance and/or support. You may also have the opportunity to work in Northumbria University’s multi-award winning Student Law Office (subject to available places), where you will provide legal advice to members of the public under the supervision of qualified solicitors/barristers.

Northumbria has been running Legal Practice courses very successfully for many years. We have graduates working in practice and in house at all levels and in all practice areas, please read some of our student and alumni testimonials about the course here.

We look forward to welcoming you on the course, any further information at this stage please contact Kayliegh Richardson, Programme Leader, or Ann Ferguson, Deputy Programme Leader.

Solicitors Regulation Authority

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has announced it will be introducing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in September 2021. This will be a national assessment for anyone who wants to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. It will provide a fair and consistent assessment for all candidates regardless of whether they have taken a law degree or qualified through new routes like the solicitor apprenticeship.

If you have already started your law degree or an exempting law degree, or will do so before the SQE is introduced, you have the option of qualifying in the same way as before (through the LPC course) or qualifying under the new system. Find out more about the SQE.

We run an excellent careers programme with law specific careers events held throughout the year, including employer presentations and workshops. Specialist career professionals from our Graduate Futures team provide 1-2-1 careers information, advice and guidance to support you at each stage of your career planning.

This quality support includes assistance with developing your networking skills, enhancing your job search skills and providing feedback on your CV and job applications. The programme teaching staff have previous practice experience in a range of practice areas and are happy to speak with you/share their experiences of working in local and national law firms.

We also offer a Law School Practice Interview Scheme - every student can make an appointment with a member of staff to do a practice interview and receive feedback prior to a graduate interview. Our central careers support provides a dedicated student employability hub that provides law students with access to job vacancies, automated CV checking software, interview simulator experience, a psychometric testing platform and a variety of additional resources to help you plan and manage your legal career. You can also participate in employability workshops and attend our annual Careers Fair.

We offer an Employability Learning Fund to support those from Widening Participation (WP) student groups. The aim of the scheme is to provide funds to further support WP students with employment opportunities. Additional employability support may be available and more details can be provided on request.

Solicitor qualifying

This programme follows the current qualifying route as set out by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Under this system you must complete both the academic and vocational stages as well as meeting the character and suitability requirements to become a solicitor.

The academic stage is achieved by either a) a qualifying law degree or b) a non law degree in a different subject and completing the Common Professional Examination.

The vocational stage comprises:

• The Legal Practice Course
• A two-year period of recognised training
• The Professional Skills Course