Law or Non-Law, that is the Question.

Should you pick a law degree or a non-law degree to be a lawyer? As 33,720 students opted for a law degree in 2022, it must be true that most aspiring lawyers choose this route. However, at a firm level, especially for commercial city firms, this is far from the truth, with large city firm Taylor Wessing stating that they take around 50% of non-law graduates in their trainee intakes. This sentiment is common among firms, showing there is no disadvantage in terms of graduate prospects. So why do aspiring lawyers choose either route?

Money, Money, Money
For many aspiring lawyers money is the main factor. The SQE 1 & 2 examinations alone cost upwards of £4000, which does not include preparation courses, books, revision materials, and potential retakes if necessary. It is no wonder that aspiring lawyers want to cut costs as much as possible. Non-law students must fork out an additional £6,000 - £12,000 for a Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) or similar course. For a self-funding student, the costs start to add up – especially for those pursuing non-law degrees.

Diverse Skillset
One of the strongest arguments for pursuing a non-law degree is the diverse skillset it can bring to the legal profession. Firms increasingly value candidates with backgrounds in economics, history, philosophy, and even STEM fields. These degrees create many transferrable skills useful to lawyers and can illuminate the technicalities of practice areas that law students might not be privy to.

Recruiters value the transferrable skills that non-law graduates bring from working in alternative fields and studying a different subject. For example, an engineering graduate may flourish in intellectual property law, whereas someone with a political background may thrive in public law or human rights. Many firms intentionally seek diverse thinking in trainees because it improves their ability to deal with complex legal issues.

The Law Degree Advantage
While non-law graduates bring diversity, law graduates have the advantage of a head start in legal knowledge. A law degree provides a comprehensive understanding of core legal principles, which can make the transition into legal practice smoother. For instance, subjects like contract law, tort law, and criminal law are covered in depth during a law degree, giving students a solid foundation before they even begin their professional training. Additionally, law graduates save a year by not having to complete the PGDL.

The SQE: A Game Changer
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), which was introduced in 2021, has further balanced the playing field for law and non-law graduates. Regardless of their degree, all aspiring solicitors must pass the SQE, a standardised evaluation. This implies that the same degree of proficiency in legal knowledge and practical abilities must be shown by law and non-law graduates.

The SQE has been praised for making the route to qualification more flexible and accessible. This has made it easier for non-law graduates to enter the profession without feeling disadvantaged. A large improvement from the previous route of qualification, the LPC, which could only be taken by graduates of a qualifying Law degree or postgraduate diploma in Law.

Conclusion
The debate between law and non-law degrees is not about which is better but rather which is better for you. Both routes have advantages and challenges and can lead to successful legal careers. The key is to consider your interests, financial situation, and long-term goals.

By Eniola Adekunle