If you are hoping to begin a career in law but don’t know where to start, don’t worry, you have come to the right place.
Employers in the law industry are always looking for bright, new legal minds. However, developing the necessary skills for a career in law is no easy task. You will need to undertake plenty of training and gain lots of experience before you can reach your goal.
To find out how you can move your career forward, have a read of our helpful guide below.
Consider whether a career in law is for you
Prior to starting your career in law, it is a good idea to consider whether a legal career is the right choice for you. Use the internet and your local library to find out more about what a career in law entails. Look at what the hours are like, what the environment is like and whether the pay would meet your financial needs.
Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses and work out what skills you would need to gain to make yourself an ideal candidate for a job in the law industry. Lawyers should have good English skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to meet tight deadlines. As well as good organisational skills, and outstanding attention to detail.
To find out more about what a career in law involves, try to schedule an appointment with a professional from the law industry. This will give you a chance to ask any questions that you might have.
Get a good education
Once you have established that a career in law is for you, the next step is to get a good education.
Getting a good education is one of the best ways to move forward with your career. In many areas of law, an advanced degree is specifically required.
In the UK, there are three main ways to become a qualified lawyer. Either through a qualifying law degree, a non-qualifying law degree or the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.
After you have graduated from university, the next step is to pass the Legal Practice Course. This is a yearlong course that gives you the extra qualifications that you need to become a qualified law professional. After completing this, you will then need to train for two years in a law firm, working as a solicitor.
If you are unable to complete a degree, your only other option is to take a set of law exams set by the organisations CILEx.
Network
Like any industry, one of the best ways to learn about a job in law is through word of mouth.
If you are studying at university make sure to join the university’s law society, as this will give you a chance to network and build new connections.
Alternatively, you could get in touch with local law firms and departments and ask to attend one of their business conferences or networking events. Most towns and cities have regular networking events going on, find the most suitable one and commit to attending each week.
As well as attending regular networking events, use social media sites like LinkedIn to build up additional connections. By adapting your profile to show that you are studying and interested in a career in law, LinkedIn will match your profile with law professionals who you can then connect with.
Find a mentor
If possible, try to find a mentor. Finding a mentor with experience working in the law industry is an excellent way to learn more about what a career in law entails. To get the most out of having a mentor, it is important that you find someone who is open and easy to talk to. A suitable mentor will be able to explain what the benefits of a career in law are, what the daily job tasks entail and what job prospects are available. A good mentor will also be able to help you progress from a student to a fully trained lawyer by building your knowledge and sharing their experiences with you.
It is important that you find a mentor who is experienced in the field of law that you are aiming to go into. So, for example if you are based in Glasgow and want a career in criminal law then you would need to approach criminal lawyers in Glasgow or the surrounding area.
To find a mentor, look at the local mentoring schemes available to you. If you are studying at university, ask the careers office to advise you on the best way to go about your search.
Get some experience
In any job, experience is key, and the legal industry in no different. Whether you are at university or taking a different route to a career in law, it is essential that you get some experience. There are two ways you can gain legal experience; one is by shadowing a legal professional and the other is by applying for an internship at a law firm.
Shadowing is a great way of gaining experience. Shadowing placements usually last for just a couple of days, allowing you to observe and follow a fully trained lawyer or other law professional. A shadowing placement gives you the opportunity to get a feel for what the job entails, ask questions and make new connections within the legal industry.
As well as giving you a chance to get a feel for what a career in law is like, shadowing also allows employers to see your skills and legal knowledge first hand.
An internship can last from a couple of days to a couple of months and is a more hands on experience than shadowing. A work placement opportunity will allow you to gain some professional experience whilst working within the law industry.
Whilst some internships consist of making tea and doing admin, others allow you to get stuck in and act as a part of the professional legal team. A hands on work placement is the perfect way to build up your experience.
Apply for a training position
Once you have completed all the qualifications you need, it is essential that you begin applying for various law training programs. Not all law firms are licensed to offer training to new law professionals, so it is important that you do your research, and only contact fully licensed companies.