Sixth Form

Embarking on a legal career is an exciting but carefully planned journey. Whether you aim to become a solicitor, barrister, or pursue another path within the profession, understanding your options and preparing early can make all the difference.

Consider questions such as:

• What skills do I bring?
• What type of environment suits me best?
• What are my long-term goals?

By exploring these questions, you can begin to match your personal strengths and aspirations with the realities of a legal career helping you decide if law is truly the right path for you.

If you are considering a career in law, these resources provide valuable perspectives on the profession, the study of law, and the principles that underpin justice.

• Is Law for You? — by Christopher Stoakes

Christopher Stoakes, a former City law firm partner with a wide-ranging legal career, offers an honest account of what it really means to work in law. This guide helps students understand the realities of legal practice and what to consider before committing to studying law at degree level.

• Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? — by Michael J. Sandel

Harvard law professor Michael J. Sandel explores the moral and philosophical debates at the heart of law and justice. His book invites readers to reflect critically on ethical dilemmas and the values that shape legal decision-making.

• The Rule of Law — by Tom Bingham

Written by one of the UK’s most respected judges, Tom Bingham examines the meaning and significance of the rule of law. This work highlights its role as a foundation of modern democracy and explains why it remains central to society.

There are no strict A-Level requirements to pursue a career in law. However, some universities recommend (and in certain cases prefer) applicants to have studied at least one or two facilitating subjects—these are subjects that are widely valued for university entry and help keep future study options open.

Facilitating subjects include:

• English Literature
• History
• Modern or Classical Languages
• Mathematics and Further Mathematics
• Physics, Biology, Chemistry
• Geography

It is always advisable to check the entry preferences of your chosen universities in advance. This can usually be done through their course information pages or via the UCAS website.

That said, there is no single “right” or “wrong” combination of A-Levels for aspiring lawyers. Almost any mix of subjects is acceptable, provided you meet the grade requirements for your chosen course.

However, certain A-Levels are often regarded as particularly useful for future lawyers because they help develop transferable skills such as critical analysis, logical reasoning, research, and communication. These skills are highly relevant to law degrees and legal apprenticeships, and can give you a stronger foundation for your career journey.

While there is no single “correct” set of A-Level choices for aspiring lawyers, certain subjects can provide a strong foundation and help you develop skills that will be useful in your legal studies and future career.

• English

Both English and literature is often recommended for future lawyers as it develops key skills in writing, interpretation, and reasoning. These are essential for producing argument-driven essays and for the analytical work required throughout legal studies.

• History

History is valued in law because it trains students to critically analyse evidence, assess multiple perspectives, and form structured arguments skills directly transferable to legal research and case analysis.

• Politics

Although not a facilitating subject, politics provides useful insights into the foundations of the UK legal and political system. It complements constitutional and public law modules often studied at degree level.

• Mathematics

Maths is less common among law students but highly respected. It develops logical, methodical problem-solving skills which is an advantage when interpreting statutes or applying structured reasoning to legal issues.

• Languages

Modern and classical languages are an asset in the global legal market. They are particularly valued by international law firms handling cross-border work, where multilingual skills can set candidates apart.

• Law

A-Level Law is often debated in terms of its value. While sometimes viewed as a ‘softer’ subject, it can give students a solid introduction to the legal system of England and Wales and touches on areas such as criminal law that are covered early in a law degree.

Alongside your studies, there are several part-time opportunities you can pursue to deepen your understanding of the legal profession while building valuable experience for your CV.

Most schools offer a two-week work experience placement, usually in Year 10 (commonly during the summer term) or Year 11, with some schools also providing additional opportunities in Year 12. This is an ideal time to express your interest in law to your school’s careers adviser or work experience coordinator, who may be able to arrange shadowing placements with local solicitors or barristers’ chambers. Do keep in mind, however, that some firms and chambers have age restrictions and may not offer placements to students under 18.

More and more law firms and chambers are now offering structured work experience opportunities for students aged 16–18. For example, firms such as Pinsent Masons, Burges Salmon, and Stephenson Harwood run dedicated schemes for school students, while some barristers’ chambers also provide placements for aspiring barristers.

In addition, firms including Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner and Eversheds operate diversity-focused work experience programmes, designed to widen access and promote inclusivity within the profession. Increasingly, a number of firms are also offering virtual work experience schemes, making opportunities more accessible than ever.

Volunteering is another valuable way to build experience alongside your studies. While legal-specific roles can be competitive, reaching out to your local Legal Advice Clinic or Citizens Advice Bureau is a great starting point to explore opportunities. Even small contributions can help you develop transferable skills and demonstrate genuine commitment to the legal profession.