Career Sectors: Law and Legal

When you think of a career in law do you just think of a Solicitor or Lawyer? Law jobs span a range of disciplines and offer potentially different pathways depending on your strengths and interests. Some law jobs will require a degree whilst others could be entered through doing an apprenticeship or other work-based training. Some may require both a degree and a period of work-based training.

As an example, have you considered becoming a Paralegal or a Legal Executive? Though not Solicitors, both of these careers share similarities with Solicitor in that you may be able to deal with complex cases and build up a large client base and you may have opportunities to progress from these roles to becoming a fully qualified Solicitor.  

If you are really interested in getting your ‘foot in the door’ with a solicitor’s firm look out for opportunities to do a job or apprenticeship as a Receptionist, Administrator, Legal Secretary or Legal Assistant (as examples) which could sometimes lead to opportunities to work your way up to Paralegal, Legal Executive or Solicitor.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Dedication and commitment to a career in law
• Commercial awareness and negotiating skills
• Skills in research and analysis
• Problem-solving skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Numeracy and IT skills
• Stamina and resilience
• Time management skills with the ability to plan work and prioritise tasks
• Interpersonal skills, to work as part of a team or with other people and organisations
• The potential to lead and delegate responsibility
• Flexibility and openness to new ideas
• Resilience and self-confidence
• Legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• Administration skills
• Ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• Ability to accept criticism and work under pressure
• A professional approach to work, integrity and a respect for confidentiality.

Find out more about the 7 skills for a successful law career (taken from the Prospects website)

Competition for solicitor roles is tough so work experience can be as important as the qualifications you have. Getting work experience in different types of legal settings can help you to stand out and show your commitment. There are diversity work experience schemes to encourage under-represented groups into the legal profession.

Getting some experience in the particular area of law you want to work in is helpful. For example, family, criminal or property law.

As well as opportunities with law firms, look out for placements in legal departments of businesses, charities, central and local government.

Some law firms will offer roles such as ‘Business Apprenticeship’ or ‘Paralegal Apprenticeship’ etc., where you work in this role whilst developing skills. Firms will often train you and after a few years you can start to work your way up. These roles can sometimes lead to qualifying as a Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive.

Law firms may ask for qualifications such as GCSEs, but some might ask for A Levels or another Level 3 qualification as well.  Some firms do not require GCSEs or A Levels.

You need a CV and possibly a cover letter as well. A cover letter should simply state why you are interested in the role, what skills you have that will enable you to succeed and where you wish to progress.

Note: some offer apprenticeships, but some offer receptionist and legal assistant jobs which might be worth considering as you will still gain hands on legal experience and could work your way up the firm.