Myth-busting the GDL: a new path for non-law students to qualify

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This article has been produced in collaboration with BARBRI.

The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) is no longer the mandatory gateway it once was for aspiring solicitors. With the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), the legal profession is shifting towards a more accessible and cost-effective qualification route. In this LCN Says, BARBRI dispels the outdated myths about the GDL and showcases how the SQE is revolutionising the path to becoming a solicitor, particularly for non-law graduates.

For many aspiring solicitors, traditional routes to qualification and their associated costs can be daunting and limiting. The GDL, a one-year full-time conversion course for non-law graduates, used to be obligatory for those without a law degree who wanted to pursue the traditional Legal Practice Course (LPC) route to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales. This is however no longer the case.

The GDL adds a costly layer to the qualification journey, ranging between £7,000 - £12,000 depending on the type of course and where you choose to study. Research that we commissioned by Hook Tangaza found that the average cost of qualifying as a solicitor following the GDL and LPC route is around £24,000, with 85% of non-law graduates funding the conversion course themselves. This significant expense can be a major barrier, preventing many talented individuals from becoming a solicitor.

However, the introduction of the SQE has simplified this pathway, making it more accessible, efficient and cost effective. The research also shows that under the SQE, self-funded students can save anywhere between 25% and 50% in training costs. In light of this, it’s important to dispel the most common misconceptions about the GDL and highlight the new opportunities provided by the SQE.

The changing landscape of legal qualification

The legal profession has evolved considerably and so have the pathways to becoming a lawyer, with the SQE now providing a direct route to qualification for non-law students. Unlike the traditional system, the SQE does not require the GDL, saving both time and money. However, despite this significant shift, many students remain unaware of the change, largely due to some learning providers emphasising the importance of the GDL to maintain course enrolments.

Addressing GDL myths

Myth 1: the GDL is essential for non-law students

One of the most persistent myths is that non-law students must complete the GDL to qualify as solicitors. This is no longer the case as the new system allows you to prepare directly for the SQE without the need for a GDL, making the journey to qualification more straightforward and cost-effective.

Myth 2: employers prefer candidates with the GDL

While some employers may still have a preference for candidates with a GDL, many are re-evaluating their criteria. Law firms are increasingly looking to more diverse skill sets and the value and different perspectives that non-law students bring. Grace Gibson-Venner, associate director of international attorney development and recruitment at Vinson & Elkins RLLP, explains their approach:

“Hiring non-law graduates as trainees at Vinson & Elkins is a key part of our strategy to cultivate a diverse and innovative team. We recognise that individuals with varied academic backgrounds contribute fresh perspectives, unique insights and creative problem-solving skills that are invaluable in today's complex legal landscape. By embracing this diversity, we not only enhance our firm's culture by fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment, but also deliver more nuanced and effective solutions for our clients.”

Myth 3: law students have an advantage over non-law students

There’s a common misconception that law students are better prepared for the SQE. However, the SQE’s assessment format is unfamiliar to both law and non-law students, creating a more level playing field. In particular, non-law students have fewer preconceived notions about how legal education should be structured, which can be advantageous.

The new path

To ensure non-law students feel prepared, BARBRI offers a short course called Foundations in Law. This optional pre-course provides an introduction to key legal concepts, boosting confidence as you begin your SQE preparation. It’s important to understand that all students, regardless of their background, start the SQE from the same point.

Ellen Swarbrick, a non-law graduate and trainee at Vinson & Elkins who completed her Foundations in Law and SQE with BARBRI, shares her experience: “I studied international business with German at university, so aside from a business law module in my second year, I had never studied law before. Because of this, the thought of doing it all online was quite daunting.

“Now that I have finished, I can honestly say I would prefer it to completing a law course at a university. You don’t have to worry about missing any content because it’s all online. Not only do you have lectures that are filmed for the purpose of being online, you also have huge banks of practice questions. BARBRI’s personal study plan tells you exactly what you need to do each day and you can even input days you do not wish to study and it will arrange the workload around this. You are also assigned a personal tutor, so there is definitely a lot of support there.”

Embracing the new era of legal qualification

Non-law students are crucial to the future of the legal industry and their diverse backgrounds and skills can help contribute to a dynamic and innovative legal practice. Employers recognise this value and are increasingly open to candidates from non-traditional backgrounds.

BARBRI has helped prepare law and non-law students for the SQE with great success since it launched. Students have reported that the materials and learning style is very effective in building confidence for preparing and sitting the exam, regardless of their background.

GDL is not mandatory

The era of the mandatory GDL for non-law students is over. The SQE provides a streamlined, cost-effective path to legal qualification, making the dream of becoming a lawyer more attainable than ever. If you’d like to learn more about BARBRI's SQE Prep course visit our website or request a call-back to speak with one of our experts.

Find out more with our SQE masterclass

If you’re interested in finding out more about becoming a solicitor as a non-law student, register now for the LawCareers.Net and BARBRI masterclass on Wednesday 21 August. We’ll be discussing all of this in more detail with panellists that include Rob Dudley, our head of employability and engagement.

Rob Dudley has over 22 years’ experience in legal education and training. Rob holds a BA (Hons), an LLB (Hons) and PG Dip Law from The College of Law, London along with a postgraduate certificate in Career Development. He’s a member of the Institute of Student Employers, the International Bar Association and a representative for the European Lawyer’s Association.

BARBRI is a legal educator specialising in innovative technology to help law students and lawyers succeed in achieving their legal qualification. Their unique courses can prepare you for the SQE through to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales, as well as offering dual-qualification opportunities to become an attorney in New York or California. BARBRI has maintained the trust of legal students for over 50 years, helping more than 1.4 million law students and lawyers succeed in legal exams across the globe.