Switching Fields: A Law Grad's Guide To It

Law graduates have a wide range of career options available to them, both within and outside the legal profession. While many law graduates go on to become lawyers, solicitors, or barristers, others may choose to pursue careers in business, finance, politics, healthcare, or even information technology. The skills acquired during a law degree, such as critical thinking, interpreting and analyzing complex information, negotiating, and managing risk, are highly valued by employers and can be applied in various sectors. Additionally, law graduates can explore opportunities in government agencies, compliance, and policy work, where their legal expertise will be advantageous. For those interested in a career change, it is worth considering that a law degree provides a strong foundation for exploring diverse career paths and that vocational training or further education may be necessary to specialize in a particular field.

Law graduates in government agencies

Law graduates have a variety of career options within government agencies. These opportunities exist at the local, state, and federal levels, and in various sectors and departments such as education, defense, agriculture, energy, and human services.

One option for law graduates in government agencies is to work as attorneys or lawyers. State and local governments hire attorneys across all cities in the USA, and the federal government employs around 85% of its workforce outside of Washington, DC, providing geographical flexibility. Federal and state/local government attorneys work in all branches of the government, including independent agencies, performing legal work such as litigation, advisory, and regulatory functions. Regulatory agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency regularly hire lawyers to assist with the implementation of federal rules and regulations. Attorneys also engage with public policy work in agencies like the Department of Commerce and Department of State, reinforcing the passage and interpretation of government legislation.

Another option for law graduates in government agencies is to work as policy analysts. Many government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, the Centers for Disease Control, and local treasuries or budget departments, employ policy analysts to investigate the effects of public policy, analyze various perspectives to devise fair policies, propose new policies, and draft reports for policymakers.

Law graduates can also pursue careers in the judicial system through government agencies. They can apply for the Provincial Civil Service-Judicial Examination, also known as the Judicial Services Examination, which is conducted by state governments under the direction of the relevant High Courts. At the lower judiciary level, individuals may be appointed as civil judges, while at the higher judiciary level, they may be appointed as extra district judges.

Additionally, law graduates can explore opportunities in government-owned businesses such as the IFRC, which is under the administrative direction of the Ministry of Railways Limited. They offer positions such as Joint Legal Manager, requiring a law degree, and Assistant Law Officers, with specific requirements varying by post.

Government jobs for law graduates often come with benefits such as predictable working hours, higher-than-average paid time off, and student loan repayment schemes offered by several federal agencies. These positions also provide the opportunity to work on tangible policies with concrete results, allowing individuals to see the direct impact of their work within their communities.

Law graduates in accounting firms

Law graduates are in high demand across various sectors, including accounting firms. While some law graduates choose to pursue traditional legal careers as solicitors or barristers, others explore diverse paths, such as accounting or finance.

Accounting firms, particularly the "Big Four," often seek individuals with legal expertise to provide tax law, strategy, and management consulting services. These firms recognize the value of law graduates' understanding of legal implications and their ability to apply this knowledge in a business context. Law graduates in accounting firms can offer unique insights, attracting a diverse client base. They can also provide in-house counsel for companies in the financial sector, such as banks or hedge funds.

Transitioning from law to accounting is a viable option, as accounting jobs are often more plentiful than legal ones. Additionally, accountants' median salaries are higher than those of lawyers, and the job market for accountants is booming. Law graduates with a focus on business law or a background in accounting and finance may find themselves particularly well-suited for roles in accounting firms.

However, it is essential to note that becoming an accounting lawyer or working in an accounting firm as a law graduate may require additional qualifications, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or further education in accounting. The eligibility requirements vary by jurisdiction, so thorough research is necessary.

Overall, law graduates interested in exploring opportunities in accounting firms can leverage their legal expertise, combined with relevant work experience and a focus on business or finance, to pursue rewarding careers in this field.

Law graduates in management consulting

Law graduates can certainly transition into the field of management consulting. While many law graduates go on to become solicitors, barristers, or lawyers, some end up working in other fields, including management consulting. Law graduates are known for their strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, which are highly valued in the consulting industry.

Management consulting firms appreciate the way law students think and approach problems, even if they may lack specific business knowledge. Recruiters from these firms often seek graduates with strong critical thinking and analytical skills, which are honed during law school. Law graduates can leverage their ability to evaluate cases from multiple perspectives, make well-reasoned arguments, and express their ideas clearly, all of which are valuable assets in consulting.

However, it's important to acknowledge that a transition into management consulting may require additional effort. Law curriculums typically include fewer business-focused subjects, which can put graduates at a slight disadvantage when dealing with business cases. To compensate for this, some management consulting firms, such as McKinsey, offer mini-MBA programs to help law graduates get up to speed on finance, microeconomics, and business strategies.

Additionally, law graduates considering a transition into management consulting should focus on developing their commercial understanding and quantitative skills. While their legal knowledge may not be directly applicable in consulting, it can provide a solid foundation for understanding the business context and making strategic decisions. Networking is also crucial, as building connections within the industry can significantly increase the chances of securing a position.

Overall, while it may require additional learning and networking, law graduates can certainly transition into management consulting and leverage their unique skill set to excel in this field.

Law graduates in human resources

Law graduates can leverage their academic knowledge and critical thinking skills to explore diverse career paths beyond the legal profession. One such field is human resources, where a strong understanding of legal implications and employee rights is essential.

Human resources professionals play a pivotal role in any business, managing recruitment, hiring, and training processes while ensuring compliance with legal guidelines and regulations. A law degree can be highly advantageous in this field, providing a solid foundation for understanding and applying laws related to employer obligations and employee rights.

HR professionals often deal with complex and ever-changing rules, including federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances. A law graduate's ability to navigate and interpret these laws can be invaluable. They can ensure that the organization's policies are legally compliant and foster a safe and inclusive work environment.

Additionally, law graduates in HR can excel in employee relations, effectively managing disputes and ensuring a supportive workplace culture. Their legal knowledge can also be applied to areas such as contract negotiation, worker compensation, and compliance with statutes like the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

For law graduates aspiring to work in human resources, pursuing a Master of Legal Studies degree or a Human Resources and Employment Law Master's can be beneficial. These programs offer specialized knowledge in employment law and human resource management, enhancing their employability and enabling them to take on more advanced roles within the field.

In conclusion, law graduates can certainly transition into human resources, leveraging their legal knowledge to effectively manage the complex interplay between business operations and people management.

Law graduates in finance

A law degree is a great gateway to a career in the legal profession, with two-fifths of law graduates working as legal professionals, solicitors and lawyers, legal associate professionals, or legal secretaries. However, there are many other career paths that a law graduate can pursue outside of the legal profession, including finance.

A law degree provides academic knowledge and an understanding of legal implications and obligations, which can be valuable in the finance sector. For example, a law graduate with a specialisation in securities law may find a role in a bank's securities area. Law graduates can also find roles in insurance companies, HR departments of large firms, local government, or advice centres.

There are several financial jobs that specifically require a law degree, such as financial attorney. A financial attorney works with the laws and regulations surrounding the financial field, including banking, investment sectors, bankruptcy, capital markets, fund and asset management, stockbrokers, and retail businesses. Other financial roles that law graduates can pursue include risk analyst, investment banking analyst, chief financial officer (CFO), management consultant, and financial adviser.

It is important to note that switching from law to finance may be challenging, as the job market has changed, and it may be difficult to compete with finance, MBA, or Quant PhD graduates. However, with hard work, good networking, and relevant work experience, it is possible for law graduates to transition into the finance sector.

Frequently asked questions