All aspects of qualifying as a solicitor are governed by a set of rules called the Training Regulations 1990. Under the regulations, you can become a solicitor in several different ways. However, everyone who aims to qualify as a solicitor must complete two distinct stages of training.

Academic Training

Academic training provides students with a basic knowledge of the law; vocational training builds upon that knowledge.
In the academic stage of training, everyone studies the foundations of legal knowledge.
There are three main routes by which to complete academic training:

• Qualifying with a law degree – the law-graduate route, which entails completing a qualifying law degree
• Qualifying with a non-law degree – the non-law graduate route, in which a student graduates from a non-law degree course, then, completes a Common Professional Examination (CPE) course, a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) course, or a senior-status degree in law
• Qualifying without a degree – the non-graduate or Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) route

Vocational Training

After successfully completing a law degree – or (in the case of non-law graduates) the Common Professional Examination course or a Graduate Diploma in Law course – you must take the Legal Practice Course (LPC)
The LPC provides professional instruction for prospective solicitors.  It may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.  You'll learn how to apply the law to the needs of clients.  Many colleges and universities offer the LPC.
After finishing the LPC, you'll enter into the training contract, with a firm of solicitors (or other organisation) authorised by the Law Society at a training establishment.  You'll gain practical experience in a variety of areas of law.
As a trainee solicitor, you'll be paid a salary.  It's important that you pursue and secure a training contract without delay, as competition can be intense.  You may begin applying for contracts in the second year of your degree.
For further information please see: www.lawsociety.co.uk