Criminal Record

[iiyama]

Wonder if anybody could help with a law question.

As a teenager and adolescent I used loads and loads of drink and drugs. Along the way I acquired a criminal record ranging from theft through to assault.

I finally went abstinent at the age of about 32 (46 now) and decided at once to arm myself with a University degree to enhance my prospects on the so-called labour market.

I am thinking of transforming my present degree into a Law Degree via a fast-track, state-approved Law Course. My question is will criminal record prevent me from joining the Law Society? (I live in UK)

Unless I'm wrong you need to be a member of the Law Society before you can 'practise' as a solicitor.

And it's not a nice prospect for me to resume study for a couple of years only to be told at the end of it all your application for Law Society Membership has been turned down.

Anybody have experience dealing in this area?

Thank you in advance for all replies.