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Careers in Curriculum

Trust Career Adviser

Part of the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust

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Careers in Law

https://youtu.be/ZJ3ko0gTV00

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Law Careers: what skills are required?

and production technicians (9%).

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

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Typical Employers

If you qualify as a solicitor, you can work in a number of different legal practices. The widest caseloads come from high street solicitors' practices, which cover criminal, family, probate and business law. Opportunities are available through local and national government and large organisations often have in-house legal teams. Take a look at the top UK law firms.

If you become a barrister, it's likely you'll be self-employed and will be a tenant in a set of chambers. Alternatively, you could look for employment with organisations such as the Government Legal Service, the Armed Forces legal services or the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

Outside of the legal profession employers can include banks and building societies, insurance companies and HR departments of large firms.

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Work Experience

Relevant work experience demonstrates to employers that you have the skills that they are looking for.

If you'd like to get some work experience that is directly related to the legal profession, you could do a mini-pupillage. This involves work shadowing that usually lasts for one week in a set of chambers. Details of this can be found at the Pupillage Gateway as well as at Chambers Student mini-pupillage listings. You can also search in solicitor's firms for law vacation placements.

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Jobs related to a Degree in Law

Job profile examples including Labour Market Information click on links below:

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Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8kRHt4EPo0

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Studying a Law Degree develops skills in:

critical reasoning and analytical skills, including the capacity for solving problems and thinking creatively
intellectual rigour and independence, including the ability to conduct detailed research
ability to construct an argument and communicate findings in a clear and persuasive manner, both orally and in writing
capability to work without direct supervision and manage your time and priorities effectively
ability to discuss ideas in groups, and to negotiate, question and summarise
capacity to think objectively and approach problems and new situations with an open mind
appreciation of the different factors that influence the activities of groups and individuals in society.

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Further Study

If you intend to practise law after graduation you must go on to further study and vocational training. To become a solicitor in England and Wales you have to complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC), followed by a paid training contract with a law firm.

If your aim is to work as a barrister in England and Wales, you need to undertake a Bar course, followed by a one-year training period called a pupillage. Variations in training routes exist in Scotland and Northern Ireland for both roles.

Many professional qualifications are available in other areas such as accountancy, HR, marketing and business. To find one that interests you, search postgraduate courses in law.