Careers · Legal career paths
Legal career paths for Bangladeshi law students, at home and abroad
A sourced map of legal career paths from a Bangladeshi LLB: advocate, judge, barrister, solicitor, DIFC, Singapore, in-house and beyond.
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Legal career paths · 01
The map: legal career paths from a Bangladeshi LLB
Most routes start from the same law degree. They divide on where you want to practise and whether you want to argue in court, sit as a judge or advise.
This guide maps the legal career paths open to a Bangladeshi law student, at home and abroad. Each route below is described from the official rules of the body that controls it: the Bangladesh Bar Council and Supreme Court, the Judicial Service Commission, the Bar Standards Board and Solicitors Regulation Authority in England and Wales, the DIFC Courts in Dubai and Singapore's Ministry of Law. Rules change, so check the linked source before you commit time or money.
- Law degree, pupillage, then the Bar Council's MCQ, written and viva stages
- Practise in courts below the High Court Division first; High Court after 2 years' practice (Article 21)
- Costs: Bar Council examination and enrolment fees, in taka
- Preliminary, written and viva examination run by the BJSC
- Maximum age 32 at application; enrolment as an advocate is not required
- Costs: examination fee; no professional course
- Academic component, Bar training course, Call by an Inn, then pupillage
- Pupillage usually runs as two six-month periods
- Costs: UK course fees and Inn membership; pupils receive a minimum award
- Degree or equivalent, SQE1 and SQE2, two years' qualifying work experience, character and suitability
- Work experience can be gained overseas and need not cover English law
- Costs: SQE assessment fees and optional preparation courses
- Usually a second step for lawyers already qualified at home
- DIFC Courts rights of audience need 2 or 5 years' post-qualification advocacy
- Singapore's FPE needs 3 of the last 5 years in permitted practice areas
From first-year LLB to qualified: a typical sequence
- Build foundationsLLB years 1 to 2
Read the Constitution, the procedural codes and the Evidence Act from primary sources. Practise with free question banks.
- Test the optionsLLB years 2 to 4
Use internships, moots and research to find out whether you prefer courts, advice or the bench. An internship is not pupillage.
- Choose a first qualificationFinal year
Bar Council enrolment, the BJS examination, or a UK route (Bar course or SQE). Check age limits and course entry rules early.
- Serve the training periodAfter graduation
Pupillage with an advocate for Bar Council enrolment, pupillage in chambers for the English Bar, or two years' QWE for the SQE route.
- Pass the qualifying assessmentsDuring or after training
Bar Council MCQ, written and viva; BJS preliminary, written and viva; Bar course assessments; or SQE1 and SQE2.
- Build seniorityYears 2 to 10 after enrolment
In Bangladesh: High Court Division after two years' practice, Appellate Division after five years in the High Court Division. Abroad: post-qualification experience opens DIFC and Singapore routes.
If you plan to practise in Bangladesh, our step-by-step guide at trw.co/careers/how-to-become-a-lawyer-in-bangladesh covers enrolment in more detail, and the free Bar Council Exam at trw.co/bar-council-exam lets you practise the MCQ stage.
- Bangladesh Legal Practitioners and Bar Council Order 1972 (P.O. 46 of 1972), bdlaws
- P.O. 46 of 1972, Article 21 (permission to practise before the High Court)
- Supreme Court of Bangladesh (Appellate Division) Rules 1988, Order IV
- Bangladesh Judicial Service Commission: FAQ for BJS (PDF, Bangla)
- Bar Standards Board: Becoming a barrister, an overview
- SRA: Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route
- DIFC Courts: Guidelines for Registration of Legal Practitioners
- Singapore Institute of Legal Education: Foreign Practitioner Examinations
- TRW & Co: How to become a lawyer in Bangladesh
Legal career paths · 02
Becoming an advocate in Bangladesh
Enrolment with the Bangladesh Bar Council is the gateway to practising law in Bangladesh. Seniority then opens the High Court Division and, later, the Appellate Division.
Article 19 of the Bangladesh Legal Practitioners and Bar Council Order 1972 provides that, save as otherwise provided, no person is entitled to practise the profession of law unless he is an advocate. Article 27 sets out who may be admitted, and Article 40 lets the Bar Council make rules on the admission examination and the conditions of admission.
| Condition | What it requires |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | A citizen of Bangladesh |
| Age | Completed the age of 21 years |
| Law degree | A law degree from a university in Bangladesh, a bachelor's degree in law from a university outside Bangladesh recognised by the Bar Council, or being a barrister (among the listed options) |
| Examination | Passed the examination prescribed by the Bar Council |
| Fee and other conditions | Paid the enrolment fee and met the other conditions in the Bar Council's rules |
From LLB to enrolment
- Complete your LLBLength set by your university
A law degree that meets Article 27(1)(c). An overseas bachelor's degree in law must be recognised by the Bar Council.
- Serve pupillage6 months
Under the Bar Council's rules, six months as a pupil in the chamber of an advocate of at least ten years' standing, under a written pupillage contract filed with the Bar Council.
- Sit the MCQ stageWhen the Bar Council schedules it
The Bar Council's enrolment MCQ examination, announced by notice on barcouncil.gov.bd.
- Sit the written examinationAfter the MCQ result
Candidates who pass the MCQ sit a written paper.
- Face the viva-voceAfter the written result
Candidates who qualify in the written examination appear before the Enrolment Committee for a viva-voce examination.
- Enrol and join a Bar AssociationWithin six months of the result
Successful candidates are enrolled as advocates. The Bar Council's viva result notice required them to obtain membership of their chosen Bar Association within six months.
he has passed such examination as may be prescribed by the Bar Council
Article 27(1)(d), Bangladesh Legal Practitioners and Bar Council Order 1972
| Stage | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| High Court Division | Two years' practice as an advocate before subordinate courts in Bangladesh, or practice before a notified High Court outside Bangladesh (for a law graduate), or exemption by the Bar Council on prescribed criteria based on legal training or experience. An enrolment committee chaired by an Appellate Division Judge handles High Court enrolment. | Articles 21 and 11B, P.O. 46 of 1972 |
| Appellate Division | Not less than five years enrolled as an advocate of the High Court Division, a Bar Council certificate, and certification by the Judges of the High Court Division as a fit and proper person. The Chief Justice and Judges may enrol others qualified by knowledge, ability and experience. | Order IV, rule 3, Appellate Division Rules 1988 |
| Advocate-on-Record | Not less than seven years enrolled as an advocate of the courts subordinate to the Appellate Division, including at least three years' standing in the High Court Division, plus an office at the seat of the Registry. | Order IV, rule 17, Appellate Division Rules 1988 |
| Judge of the Supreme Court | A citizen who has been an advocate of the Supreme Court for at least ten years, or has held judicial office for at least ten years, or has qualifications prescribed by law. | Article 95(2), Constitution |
TRW offers pupillage to law graduates preparing for Bar Council enrolment, supervised by an advocate of at least ten years' practice. A TRW internship is different and does not count towards Bar Council pupillage. Check the Bar Council's current notices for exam dates, fees and any exemptions before you apply.
- P.O. 46 of 1972, Article 19 (right to practise)
- P.O. 46 of 1972, Article 27 (qualifications for admission as an advocate)
- P.O. 46 of 1972, Article 40 (Bar Council rule-making power, including the enrolment examination)
- P.O. 46 of 1972, Article 21 (permission to practise before the High Court)
- P.O. 46 of 1972, Article 11B (enrolment committee for the High Court Division)
- Supreme Court of Bangladesh (Appellate Division) Rules 1988, Order IV
- Constitution of Bangladesh, Article 95 (appointment of Judges)
- Bangladesh Bar Council notice: Enrollment MCQ Exam on 25-04-2025
- Bangladesh Bar Council notice: Result of Enrolment Written Examination (viva-voce before the Enrolment Committee)
- Bangladesh Bar Council notice: Enrolment Viva Result (Bar Association membership within six months)
- Bangladesh Bar Council: About us
- TRW & Co: How to become a lawyer in Bangladesh
- TRW & Co: Bar Council Exam (free practice)
Legal career paths · 03
Judicial service: the BJS examination
Graduates can join the subordinate judiciary as Assistant Judges through the Bangladesh Judicial Service Commission, without first enrolling as advocates.
Article 115 of the Constitution provides that appointments to the judicial service are made by the President in accordance with rules made for that purpose. The Bangladesh Judicial Service Commission (BJSC) runs the recruitment examination, and its FAQ refers candidates to rule 7 of the Bangladesh Judicial Service Constitution Rules 2025 for eligibility.
How BJS recruitment runs
The BJSC publishes the schedule for each stage on its website or in national newspapers before the examination.
Eligibility points in the BJSC's FAQ
- LLB (pass course) degree holders may apply (rule 7(a))
- LLB holders from foreign universities may apply (rule 7(a)); a holder of a three-year foreign LLB must also have an LLM
- Enrolment as an advocate is not required
- Maximum age at application: 32 years (rule 7(b))
- Answer scripts are not re-evaluated
The upper age limit of 32 means the judicial route has a deadline that the advocate route does not. Read the circular for the examination you intend to sit: it sets the syllabus, documents and dates for that round.
Legal career paths · 04
Barrister of England and Wales, and coming home
The English Bar has three components of training. Being Called by an Inn is not enough to practise: pupillage completes the qualification.
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) regulates barristers in England and Wales. Training has three components: academic, vocational and pupillage (work-based learning). The academic component needs a law degree or a non-law degree plus the Graduate Diploma in Law, at a minimum of a 2:2, covering the seven foundations of legal knowledge.
Qualifying as a barrister
- Academic componentBefore the Bar course
A qualifying law degree, or a Graduate Diploma in Law if your degree is not in law, is more than five years old or lacks a foundation subject. Overseas graduates should check the BSB's Bar Qualification Manual.
- Join an Inn of CourtBefore enrolling
You must join one of the four Inns before you start vocational training.
- Bar training courseAbout 1 year full-time
The vocational component: full-time over a year, part-time over longer, or in two parts. You must be fluent in English and attend ten qualifying sessions at your Inn.
- Call to the BarAfter the course
Your Inn Calls you after you pass the course and complete the qualifying sessions. You cannot yet practise.
- PupillageUsually 12 months
A non-practising period, usually six months, then a practising period, usually six months, supervised by an experienced barrister. Pupils receive at least the BSB's minimum award.
| Question | What the 1972 Order says |
|---|---|
| Does being a barrister satisfy the degree condition? | Yes. Article 27(1)(c) lists being a barrister as an alternative to the law degree options. |
| Is the Bar Council examination still needed? | Article 27(1)(d) requires every applicant to pass the examination prescribed by the Bar Council, and (e) to meet the conditions in its rules. |
| Other conditions | Citizenship and the minimum age of 21 under Article 27(1)(a) and (b) also apply. |
Pupillage, exemptions and High Court permission for barristers are governed by the Bar Council's rules and notices, which change from time to time. Confirm the position with the Bangladesh Bar Council before you plan your return.
- Bar Standards Board: Becoming a barrister, an overview
- Bar Standards Board: Vocational component of Bar training
- Bar Standards Board: Apply for the academic component of training
- P.O. 46 of 1972, Article 27 (qualifications for admission as an advocate)
- P.O. 46 of 1972, Article 21 (permission to practise before the High Court)
Legal career paths · 05
Solicitor of England and Wales through the SQE
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination is now the main route to qualifying as a solicitor, and its work experience rules suit international candidates.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) sets four requirements for the SQE route: a degree in any subject or an equivalent level 6 qualification, passes in both SQE1 and SQE2, two years' full-time (or equivalent) qualifying work experience (QWE), and meeting its character and suitability requirements. SQE1 consists of two assessments, FLK1 and FLK2; SQE2 has oral and written parts.
Key date
The SRA's SQE assessment regulations govern the SQE from 1 September 2021. The older LPC route remains open only to transitional candidates, who must qualify by 2032.
The SQE route
- Degree or equivalentBefore admission
Any subject. An overseas equivalent qualification can count.
- Pass SQE1Any time
Two functioning legal knowledge assessments, FLK1 and FLK2. Both must be passed.
- Pass SQE2Usually after SQE1
A single assessment of oral and written legal skills.
- Complete two years' QWETwo years, flexible timing
Real legal work in up to four organisations, paid or voluntary, confirmed by a solicitor or COLP. It can be gained before, during or after the assessments.
- Character and suitabilityAt admission
Disclose relevant matters when you apply for admission; an early assessment is available.
QWE points that matter for Bangladeshi candidates
- QWE can be gained in England and Wales or overseas
- It does not need to cover English and Welsh law
- It must involve providing real legal services and exposure to at least two SRA competences
- Law clinic work, placements during a law degree and paralegal roles can count
- Qualified lawyers do not need QWE and may apply for SQE exemptions
TRW's London office is regulated by the SRA. That is a fact about our office, not an offer of qualifying work experience: a TRW internship is a 4 to 8 week programme based in Dhaka, and whether any experience counts as QWE is a matter for the SRA's rules and the confirming solicitor.
Legal career paths · 06
Practising in Dubai's DIFC and in Singapore
Both centres welcome foreign-qualified lawyers, but they expect you to be qualified and experienced first. Treat them as a second step, not a first.
The DIFC Courts keep a Register of Legal Practitioners in two Parts: Part I for law firms that issue and conduct proceedings, and Part II for individuals seeking rights of audience. Singapore allows foreign-registered lawyers to practise foreign law, and lets those who pass the Foreign Practitioner Examinations (FPE) practise in permitted areas of Singapore law.
- At least 5 years' post-qualification advocacy with full rights of audience, or 2 years with limited rights
- Right to conduct litigation or audience before superior courts where you qualified
- Sufficient English and knowledge of common law and DIFC Courts procedure
- Interview, then provisional registration until a Judge sees you at a first hearing
- Registered foreign lawyers can practise foreign law with no further courses or exams
- FPE candidates need 3 of the last 5 years in permitted areas such as banking and finance, M&A or IP
- Must practise, or hold a job offer, in a qualifying Singapore practice
- SILE says the FPE is under review and applications are currently closed
DIFC Courts Part II registration
Registrations are valid for one year and renewed on proof of documents and fees.
| Option | What it allows |
|---|---|
| Foreign lawyer (Part IXA, Legal Profession Act) | Practise foreign law in Singapore after registering with the Legal Services Regulatory Authority |
| Foreign practitioner (section 36B) | Practise in permitted areas of Singapore law after passing the FPE |
| In-house counsel | Work in an organisation's legal team |
| Approved Singapore law degree | Study at NUS, SMU or SUSS |
| Ministerial exemption | Apply to the Minister for Law; each case is considered on its merits |
TRW has offices in Dubai (DIFC) and Singapore. Our internships are based at the Dhaka head office, and nothing here describes the registration status of any TRW lawyer.
Legal career paths · 07
In-house, regulators, international organisations and academia
Not every legal career runs through a courtroom. Many lawyers advise from inside a business, a regulator, an international body or a university.
These roles set their own entry criteria, so read each vacancy closely. Remember the baseline in Bangladesh: Article 19 of the 1972 Order reserves the practice of the profession of law to advocates, and an advocate is entitled to appear before any court, tribunal or revenue authority in Bangladesh. If a role involves appearing for clients, enrolment matters.
- Contracts, compliance, disputes management and board support
- Abroad, in-house legal work can count as SQE qualifying work experience if it meets the SRA's tests
- Singapore lists in-house work as an option for foreign-qualified lawyers
- Drafting rules, licensing, enforcement and policy
- Entry is usually by public recruitment with its own eligibility rules
- Statutory interpretation and administrative law skills are central
- Legal officer and policy roles in development, trade and human rights bodies
- Typically ask for a postgraduate degree, languages and relevant experience
- Recruitment is competitive and runs on each organisation's own timetable
- Teaching and research at universities
- Universities set their own requirements, often an LLM and published research
- Can be combined with practice or consultancy where permitted
Testing a non-court path
A published research note or dissertation chapter is useful evidence for academic and policy roles.
Skills every route values
- Reading statutes and regulations from the primary source
- Clear, precise drafting
- Summarising a complex document for a non-lawyer
- Keeping client and employer information confidential
- Working across languages and jurisdictions
Legal career paths · 08
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions law students ask most about legal career paths.
Frequently asked questions
Can I practise in the High Court Division straight after enrolment?
Not usually. Article 21 of the 1972 Order requires two years' practice before subordinate courts, practice before a notified High Court abroad, or an exemption by the Bar Council on prescribed criteria.
When can I appear in the Appellate Division?
Under Order IV, rule 3 of the Appellate Division Rules 1988, after at least five years as an advocate of the High Court Division, with a Bar Council certificate and certification by the High Court Division Judges. The Chief Justice and Judges may make exceptions.
Do I need to be an advocate to sit the BJS examination?
No. The BJSC's FAQ says enrolment as an advocate is not required. The maximum age at application is 32.
If I become a barrister in London, can I practise in Bangladesh?
Being a barrister satisfies the degree condition in Article 27(1)(c), but you must still pass the Bar Council's examination and meet its other conditions before you can be admitted as an advocate.
Can work in Bangladesh count as SQE qualifying work experience?
It can. The SRA says QWE can be gained overseas and need not cover English law, provided it is real legal work, covers at least two competences and is confirmed by a solicitor or COLP.
Does a TRW internship count towards pupillage or QWE?
A TRW internship does not count towards Bar Council pupillage. We make no claim that it counts as QWE; that depends on the SRA's rules. TRW separately offers pupillage to graduates preparing for Bar Council enrolment.
Which route is fastest?
It depends on where you want to practise. Compare the time each route needs for training and assessments, its costs, and the courts you can appear in, using the table and steps at the top of this page.
Choosing your route
Each rule cited on this page links to its official source.
See the TRW internship and pupillage opportunities at trw.co/careers.
- P.O. 46 of 1972, Article 21 (permission to practise before the High Court)
- Supreme Court of Bangladesh (Appellate Division) Rules 1988, Order IV
- Bangladesh Judicial Service Commission: FAQ for BJS (PDF, Bangla)
- P.O. 46 of 1972, Article 27 (qualifications for admission as an advocate)
- SRA: Qualifying work experience
- TRW & Co: Careers
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