Can you get into law without studying it first?

A History Student's Perspective

Written by Principessa Carina Ikra Mozammal

When people think about studying law, they have this image of the type of students who have always known they wanted to become lawyers or maybe imagine personalities like Mike Ross or Harvey Specter as shown on "SUITS" (a television show). Many assume that a background in law, whether at A-Level, Undergraduate level or through family connections is also a prerequisite. However, this is far from reality. 

As a history student considering a future in law, I have come to realise that there is no single pathway into the legal profession, especially in the UK where routes to becoming a lawyer have become increasingly accessible. In fact, coming from a non-law background can offer valuable skills that firms often look out for. After speaking to some law firms at various career fairs and network events, it’s clear that non-law backgrounds offer an equal foot in the door. These firms stated that they accept a 50-50 ratio of law and non-law students for their vacation schemes or placements, which speaks to the transferable skills from any degree of any discipline being valuable to the firms if used the right way.

Challenging the idea of a "traditional" path into law

Typically, when one tries to approach practicing law from a non-law university background, it is necessary for them to complete the PGDIP (Post-Graduate Diploma) in Law at a university that offers it. Some are BPP, University of Law, and King’s College London. The PGDiP is a one-year intensive course that covers all the necessary law modules such as contract law, constitutional and administrative law, and tort Law among others. Upon passing the course, you have an eligible diploma that opens up routes to further studies, which may be a Master's in Law, the Solicitor Qualifying exams, or the Barrister Qualifying exams.

Qualification routes

For those pursuing the solicitor route, candidates must complete the SQE1 and SQE2, followed by two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). This experience can be gained in a variety of legal settings, such as law firms, legal clinics, in-house legal teams, or pro bono organisations. This flexibility allows aspiring solicitors to build practical skills while developing an understanding of different areas of law.

For those pursuing the Bar, the route involves completing a Bar training course (formerly known as the Bar Professional Training Course), followed by securing pupillage. Pupillage is a year-long period of practical training in chambers or another approved organisation, where aspiring barristers gain hands-on advocacy and case preparation experience under supervision. After successfully completing pupillage, individuals can then apply for tenancy and begin practising independently.

What skills does history bring to law?

As a history student, I have found that many of the skills developed during my degree closely align with those required in law. Studying history involves analysing large amounts of information, memorising and evaluating sources and forming structured arguments supported by evidence. One of the key advantages of entering law from a non-law background is the range of transferable skills developed through other disciplines such as politics, English and even STEM subjects, all of which equip students with excellent research ability and structured communication and are essential in a legal study and practice. 

Beyond analytical skills, non-law degrees also encourage independent thinking and adaptability. These qualities are particularly valuable in the legal profession, where professionals must navigate complex issues and consider multiple perspectives before reaching conclusions.

Why non-law backgrounds are valuable to the legal profession

The legal profession increasingly recognises the value of academic diversity. Law firms and chambers often recruit students from a wide range of disciplines, as different backgrounds bring fresh perspectives and diverse approaches to problem-solving. It shows an initiative to choose law out of passion.

This diversity is beneficial in practice, as legal professionals work with clients from all sectors, from business and technology to healthcare and public policy. Having lawyers with varied academic backgrounds helps ensure a broader understanding the issues clients face. As a result, studying law as a postgraduate option has become gradually more common. The availability of conversion courses and flexible qualification routes demonstrates that law is not limited to those who studied it from the outset.

Finishing thoughts

With an increase in mobility and diversity in the professional world, especially in law, your degree, socio-economic background, or lack of connections no longer present an obstacle to get into law. If anything, they can be a strength. The modern legal profession values transferable skills, diverse perspectives, and adaptability, all qualities that students from non-law backgrounds often bring.

For students considering law, it is important to recognise that there is no single “correct” path into the profession. Whether coming from history, science, languages, or any other discipline, the skills developed during undergraduate study can provide a strong foundation for a future in law. Therefore, if you have an interest in pursuing law despite a non-law background, you should not feel discouraged. Many firms actively welcome applicants from diverse academic disciplines, so applying to training contracts, vacation schemes, and open days can be an excellent way to explore opportunities and gain valuable insight into the profession.