Anaya Nolan
A law degree is a gateway to a career as a solicitor or barrister, but it's not the only path to choose from. Many law graduates pivot to different careers, such as finance, sales, marketing, HR, journalism, politics, lobbying, teaching, and more. If you want to practice law, you'll need to complete vocational training, such as the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or a Bar course. However, if you're interested in a non-legal career, your legal knowledge and skills will still be valuable in various industries and roles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Career options | Solicitor, barrister, lawyer, legal editor, legal recruiter, town planner, business analyst, compliance officer, trading standards officer, research officer, welfare rights adviser, immigration officer, airline pilot |
| Transferable skills | Critical thinking, tactical problem-solving, determination, intellectual rigour, diplomacy, stamina, negotiation, attention to detail, communication, research |
| Other considerations | Vocational training, postgraduate qualifications, work experience, internships, mini-pupillage, networking |
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What You'll Learn
Pursue a career in human rights
If you have a law degree and are interested in pursuing a career in human rights, there are several paths you can take. Human rights lawyers are legal professionals who specialize in providing legal counsel to victims of human rights abuses, such as refugee rights, child rights, war crimes, discrimination law, and gender equality. They work at local, national, and international levels at NGOs, law firms, intergovernmental organizations, and governments. To become a human rights lawyer, you need to complete all the academic and practical requirements to practice law, including a bachelor's degree, a Juris Doctor, and passing any qualifying exams such as the BAR exam.
During your undergraduate studies, you can develop the skills and knowledge needed to become a human rights lawyer by getting involved with NGOs such as Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch, or by volunteering at a refugee home. Learning one of the official UN languages can also increase your employability in this field.
Human rights lawyers perform a variety of tasks, including drafting legal documents, performing research on human rights cases, negotiating settlements, and arguing human rights cases in court. They need to have skills in investigation, rhetoric, interviewing, and advocacy. Human rights lawyers can also work on specific issues such as immigration, criminal justice, labor laws, and international law. Organizations such as the UN, International Organization for Migration, Human Rights Watch, and the International Criminal Court employ human rights lawyers and other professionals familiar with law.
In addition to becoming a lawyer, there are other career paths in the human rights sector that you may want to consider. These include campaigning and communication, research, education, advocacy, activism, and legal recruitment. Human Rights Researchers, for example, work to ensure that human rights investigations are based on well-established facts. They carry out investigations, conduct interviews with victims, and draft reports on their findings. They need to have strong research skills, resilience, and precision in their work.
If you are interested in a non-legal career path, your law degree can still be valuable in fields such as business analysis, where your legal knowledge and analytical skills will be useful in solving business problems and understanding regulatory issues. Networking with other lawyers can also help you explore alternative career paths and make connections in your desired field.
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Work in the public sector
A law degree is a great asset when working in the public sector. Law graduates are often sought after for their critical thinking, tactical problem-solving, and determination.
There are many public sector roles that require an understanding of the law, such as compliance officers, who typically work for financial companies and other heavily regulated business areas. Salaries for compliance officers tend to range between £26,000 and £50,000 per year, with most earning around £30,000.
If you are interested in a career in human rights, you can find information on organisations on the Bar Human Rights Committee's website. You could also consider working in HR and recruitment, which is a great option for law graduates.
There are also several government agencies that offer job opportunities for law graduates, including the Ministry of Justice, Civil Service, National Offender Management Service, HM Courts and Tribunal Service, HMRC, Youth Justice Board, Health & Safety Executive, Trading Standards, and Local Government.
In addition to these options, you could also consider a career in planning. The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) offers a postgraduate degree in planning that is accredited and open to graduates of any discipline. Attention to detail, communication, and negotiation skills are important in this field, and a law degree can provide a good foundation for developing these abilities.
Finally, if you are interested in a career in politics, your law degree can be a valuable asset. Many politicians have a background in law, and the skills you develop in law school, such as public speaking and debate, can be very useful in a political career.
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Become a legal editor
A law degree can be a gateway to a career as a solicitor or barrister, but it can also open doors to many other careers beyond the legal profession. One such career option is legal editing.
Legal editors are typically hired by law firms, legal publishers, and other organizations that require legal editing services. Legal editors work closely with attorneys to ensure that all documents comply with the applicable laws and regulations. They are responsible for fact-checking and proofreading documents and providing feedback to ensure that the documents are legally sound. In addition to editing legal documents, legal editors may also research legal topics and write or edit legal articles or books. This may include researching new laws and regulations, writing summaries, or providing analysis of current legal topics.
To become a legal editor, you will need a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as English, that can help you develop strong writing and communication skills. While a law degree is not always required, a good understanding of legal research and a grasp of language are essential. Strong writing and research abilities, along with keen attention to detail, are also important skills for this career. Summer internships with legal publishers or working as a research assistant for professors can also help you gain experience in the field.
Legal editors must be able to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines and have a versatile, fast-paced work environment. They need to have creativity, good judgment, interpersonal skills, and the ability to think analytically and offer vital feedback.
If you are interested in a career as a legal editor, it is important to gain relevant experience and build your skills to meet the qualifications and demands of this exciting career path.
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Consider a career in finance
A law degree is a great asset to have when considering a career in finance. While a law degree is not always necessary for these roles, the skills you will have gained from your studies, such as critical thinking, tactical problem-solving, and determination, are highly valued by hiring managers.
If you are interested in the finance sector, you could consider becoming a compliance officer. Compliance officers are usually found working for financial companies and other business areas that are heavily regulated. Salaries tend to range between £26,000 and £50,000, with most compliance officers earning around £30,000 per year. This role requires an understanding of law and regulation, which your law degree will have equipped you with.
Another option is to pursue a career in investment banking. Investment banks offer a range of graduate opportunities in areas such as corporate finance, markets, fund management, private client services, and IT and operations. A law degree can provide you with transferable skills that are well-suited for a career in investment banking, such as intellectual rigour, diplomacy, stamina, and negotiation skills.
You could also consider a career in insurance broking or accountancy. These roles often involve a stringent recruitment process, including interviews, assessment centres, and online testing. However, your law degree will have equipped you with the necessary skills to succeed in these challenging but rewarding careers.
In addition to the private sector, there are also opportunities in the public sector for those with a law degree interested in finance. You could consider working for the Ministry of Justice, Civil Service, National Offender Management Service, HM Courts and Tribunal Service, or HMRC, among others. These organizations often have roles related to finance and offer a range of career paths that you can explore.
Finally, you could also consider a career as a business analyst. Business analysts are highly sought after due to their ability to identify and solve business problems and their knowledge of legal and regulatory issues. Your legal prowess will give you the language and authority to command respect and trust from partners, stakeholders, and facilitators.
Remember, while a law degree is a great starting point, you may need to gain additional qualifications or consider taking on relevant work experience to make yourself a competitive candidate for these roles.
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Explore non-legal paths like tech, fashion, or entertainment
Explore non-legal paths in tech, fashion, or entertainment
A law degree is a versatile qualification that can open doors to many career paths beyond the legal profession. Here are some options for exploring non-legal paths in the fields of technology, fashion, and entertainment:
Technology
The tech industry offers various opportunities for law graduates. Many tech companies value the analytical and problem-solving skills that law students possess. You can explore roles in policy development, compliance, or legal tech startups. With the rise of remote work and hybrid work environments, there are also opportunities to find flexible work arrangements that suit your lifestyle. Additionally, you can leverage your legal knowledge and skills in areas such as intellectual property, data privacy, and cybersecurity.
Fashion
Fashion law is a unique blend of legal expertise and creativity. Fashion lawyers work closely with fashion brands and designers to navigate various legal aspects of the industry. This includes protecting intellectual property, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and structuring the business to shield designers from liability. Fashion lawyers also deal with issues related to production, import, and export, including fair labour practices and worker safety. Networking with in-house counsel for fashion brands and specialised "fashion law" programs can be a great way to break into this industry.
Entertainment
Entertainment law is a diverse field that encompasses various legal disciplines. You can work as a talent agent, representing actors, musicians, and athletes. Alternatively, you can focus on advertising, branded entertainment, and intellectual property. Social media has also become an integral part of the entertainment industry, with lawyers counselling clients on the legal implications of advertising through these platforms. Breaking into entertainment law can be challenging, but seeking out relevant experience, even if it means taking a lower-paying job, can provide a valuable stepping stone.
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Frequently asked questions
Traditional career paths include working as a lawyer, solicitor, or barrister in a law firm.
A law degree can be beneficial for careers in finance, HR, marketing, sales, and business development. You can also pursue careers in teaching, journalism, politics, or lobbying.
Aside from lawyers, solicitors, and barristers, you can explore roles such as legal cashier, paralegal, probate practitioner, or judicial clerk.
Reflect on your interests, past experiences, and the type of workplace environment you prefer. Consider your budget, savings goals, and any student loan repayment plans.
Gain relevant work experience and build a network within your desired industry. Develop transferable skills and consider further education or specialisations that align with your new career path.
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