Applicants should have a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree in their first degree (in any subject). Where an applicant holds an overseas degree qualification this should be equivalent to a 2:1 degree. GLD will consider applicants who do not have a 2:1 degree, but only where satisfactory evidence of equivalent high level academic and / or professional achievement can be provided (e.g. via relevant experience and results achieved for the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) / CPE, Legal Practice Course (LPC), Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC)).

Applicants must be qualified to practise as a Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive in England and Wales (or will be qualified 3 months from application date). You must have completed a training contract/pupillage/qualifying employment, or have been exempted from this by the Law Society, the Bar Council or CILEx.

Professional entry criteria for Chartered Legal Executives (i.e. Fellows): Chartered Legal Executives are eligible to apply where (i) a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) is held; or (ii) the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)/CPE has been completed; or (iii) where exams have been passed (i.e. a score of 50% or above achieved), at CILEx Level 6*,   in all of the following seven foundation subjects in law:

– Contract Law
– Criminal Law
– Equity and Trusts Law
– European Union Law
– Land Law
– Public Law
– Law of Tort

*Note: There are specific requirements relating to academic achievement in the CILEx Level 6 exams where these are being used to demonstrate 2:1 degree equivalence as set out below.

Chartered Legal Executives should note that GLD will be willing to accept an overall, average score of 65% or above across exams passed in the seven foundation subjects in law (where studied at CILEx Level 6) as demonstrating 2:1 degree equivalence (where a 2:1 degree is not held).