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
Trainee Solicitor (Disputes Seat)
2-3 years (post-qualification)Skills to master
- Legal research, document review, drafting basic pleadings/statements, understanding civil procedure, initial case assessment, working under supervision.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully managed a small caseload of routine matters under supervision.
- Received positive feedback on drafting and analytical skills.
- Demonstrated a keen interest and aptitude for negotiation and problem-solving.
- Proactively sought out opportunities to be involved in mediations or arbitrations.
- 2
Paralegal (Disputes/Litigation)
3-5 years (with relevant experience)Skills to master
- Legal research, e-discovery processes, document management, preparing bundles for hearings, client communication support, understanding case timelines.
You're ready to move on when
- Gained substantial experience supporting dispute resolution matters.
- Developed a strong understanding of legal processes and terminology.
- Demonstrated initiative in taking on more complex tasks.
- Completed a GDL or equivalent and is working towards professional qualification.
- 3
Junior In-House Counsel (Generalist with Dispute Exposure)
2-4 years (post-qualification)Skills to master
- Commercial awareness, internal stakeholder management, basic contract review, identifying legal risks, managing external counsel, initial dispute triage.
You're ready to move on when
- Handled a variety of legal matters, including some exposure to disputes.
- Proved ability to communicate legal advice clearly to business colleagues.
- Managed external legal spend effectively.
- Expressed a clear desire to specialise in dispute resolution.