The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Law School Graduate (LLB/GDL + LPC/SQE)
0-1 year post-qualificationSkills to master
- Legal research, academic writing, foundational understanding of contract and tort law, an eagerness to learn procedural rules.
You're ready to move on when
- Strong academic performance in relevant modules (e.g., contract, international law).
- Successful completion of a vacation scheme or similar work experience.
- Demonstrated interest in international disputes through mooting or relevant coursework.
- 2
Paralegal in Disputes
1-2 years as a paralegalSkills to master
- Document review, eDiscovery platforms, legal administration, practical application of procedural rules, attention to detail in high-volume tasks.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven track record of managing large document sets accurately.
- Familiarity with legal tech tools used in disputes.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to work under pressure.
- 3
International Legal Assistant (Non-UK Qualified)
1-2 years in an international law firmSkills to master
- Understanding of common law systems, cross-border legal issues, cultural sensitivity in international matters, commitment to UK qualification.
You're ready to move on when
- Experience working on international cases, even if not directly arbitration.
- Fluency in additional languages relevant to international disputes.
- Clear plan and commitment to undertaking the SQE to qualify in England and Wales.