Keith Mack
A law degree is a gateway to a wide range of careers, both within and outside the legal profession. For those aspiring to work in law, typical career paths include becoming a solicitor or a barrister, with the option to work in public or private practice, in small or large firms, and in various areas of law. Outside of legal practice, a law degree is highly valued in sectors such as banking, finance, human resources, insurance, and local government. Law graduates often find employment in these fields due to their strong research, evaluation, communication, and critical thinking skills. Additionally, some law graduates may choose to pursue further education, such as a Master of Laws (LLM) or a Master of Science in Law (MSL), to deepen their legal expertise or specialise in a particular area of law.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Career options with a law degree | Solicitor, barrister, paralegal, legislative assistant, police prosecutor, judge’s associate, human resources (HR), wealth manager, legal recruiter, politician, police officer, mediator, policy analyst, compliance officer, immigration lawyer, attorney, prosecutor, public defender, in-house corporate counsel, and more |
| Career options with further education | Master of Science in Law (MSL), Master of Laws (LLM), Juris Doctor, and more |
| Skills gained from a law degree | Research, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, argumentation, advocacy, and more |
| Employers outside the legal profession | Banks, insurance companies, local government, advice centres, and more |
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What You'll Learn
- Junior legal jobs: calendaring clerk, court clerk, legislative assistant, paralegal
- Solicitor: complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
- Barrister: undertake a Bar course and a one-year training period (pupillage)
- Outside of the legal profession: property development, banking, finance, HR, local government
- Further study: Master of Science in Law (MSL), Juris Doctor, Master of Laws (LLM)
Junior legal jobs: calendaring clerk, court clerk, legislative assistant, paralegal
There are several junior legal roles that one can pursue. These roles are a great way to gain experience in the legal field and can often be a stepping stone to other opportunities. Here is an overview of four such roles:
Calendaring Clerk
A calendaring clerk ensures that lawyers' calendars are up to date and well-organised. This includes scheduling meetings, court appearances, and other events, as well as sending out reminders and ensuring that lawyers are prepared for their appointments. Calendaring clerks need to be highly organised and detail-oriented, with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Court Clerk
Court clerks, also known as judicial assistants, provide administrative support to judges and other court officials. Their duties include managing court records, filing documents, and assisting with court proceedings. Court clerks need to have a strong understanding of legal procedures and terminology, as well as excellent organisational and communication skills. They also need to be able to maintain confidentiality and remain impartial.
Legislative Assistant
Legislative assistants, also known as legislative aides, support the work of legislators, such as senators or members of parliament. Their duties include conducting research, drafting legislation, and analysing policies. Legislative assistants need to have a strong understanding of the legislative process and legal research methods. They also need to be able to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Paralegal
Paralegals assist lawyers in their daily tasks and have a wide range of responsibilities, including legal research, drafting legal documents, and assisting with trial preparation. They may also be involved in client meetings and court appearances. Paralegals typically have a strong foundation in law and may specialise in a particular area, such as family law or litigation. They need to be organised, detail-oriented, and able to work well in a fast-paced environment.
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Solicitor: complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
If you want to become a solicitor, you will need to complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). This is a new, centralised route to qualification, introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The SQE will eventually replace the Legal Practice Course (LPC) route to qualification as a solicitor. By the end of 2032, the transition from LPC to SQE will be complete.
The SQE consists of two parts: SQE1 and SQE2, both of which are essential requirements to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. The SQE1 and SQE2 assessments are examined by the SRA, not by The University of Law. There is no specific SQE course, but there are important topics that you will need to study in order to pass the assessments. You can book your assessments directly with the SRA and there are also SQE preparation courses available, which cover topics such as textbooks, summary notes, practice questions, digital flashcards, videos and mock tests.
The current total cost for taking both SQE assessments (up to September 2025) is £4,790. SQE1 consists of two examinations, costing £1,888, and SQE2 consists of written and oral tasks, costing £2,902. All fees are tax exempt and resits are subject to additional fees. From September 2025, the total cost for taking both assessments will increase to £4,908, with SQE1 costing £1,934.
If you are considering the SQE route to qualification, it is important to note that there are other criteria to consider when determining whether you need to sit the SQE assessments. For example, if you started, completed, accepted an offer for, or paid a non-refundable deposit for a specific course by 31 August 2021, then you can choose to study either the LPC or the SQE route.
Once you have qualified as a solicitor, you could work in various types of legal practice, including high street solicitors' practices, which typically offer the widest caseloads covering criminal, family, probate and business law.
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Barrister: undertake a Bar course and a one-year training period (pupillage)
A law degree is a great way to open doors to a variety of career paths, both within and outside the legal profession. While a law degree is a gateway to a career as a solicitor or barrister, it is not the only path you can choose.
If you want to become a barrister in England and Wales, you need to undertake a Bar course, followed by a one-year training period called pupillage. Pupillage is a form of work-based learning where you will be supervised by a qualified barrister. During this year, you will gain practical experience and develop the skills and knowledge required to become a practising barrister.
To secure a pupillage, you will need to demonstrate your commitment to a career as a barrister. Mini-pupillages are a great way to gain legal work experience and are the Bar's equivalent to an internship or vacation scheme. Typically, a mini-pupillage involves work shadowing over one to five days in a set of chambers. This allows you to gain insight into the work of barristers and build connections within the legal profession.
During your Bar course and pupillage, you will develop a range of skills and knowledge required for a career as a barrister. This includes legal research and drafting skills, advocacy and public speaking abilities, and a comprehensive understanding of legal procedures and ethics. You will also learn how to manage your workload and client relationships effectively.
While undertaking the Bar course and pupillage, you may also consider joining student groups or taking on positions of responsibility. These experiences can provide valuable skills and demonstrate your dedication to a career as a barrister. Additionally, gaining work experience through internships or placements in law firms can enhance your CV and increase your employability.
Overall, becoming a barrister in England and Wales requires dedication and a comprehensive understanding of the law. By undertaking the Bar course and a one-year pupillage, you will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this challenging and rewarding career.
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Outside of the legal profession: property development, banking, finance, HR, local government
A law degree is not restrictive; it can open doors to a variety of careers, both within and outside the legal profession. In fact, many lawyers are choosing to leave the legal profession, with up to 40% of lawyers in the US wanting to move on, and 40,000 doing so annually.
Outside of the legal profession, a law degree can be beneficial in property development, banking, finance, and HR. Local government roles are also an option for those with a legal background.
Property Development
Lawyers with experience in real estate law can move into property development. They can also become paralegals or title examiners, working for real estate organisations. These roles require strong research skills, attention to detail, and a working knowledge of legal concepts and terminology.
Banking and Finance
A background in securities, trusts and estates, tax, or banking law can lead to a career in the banking and finance industry. Roles include risk manager, estate planning advisor, trust officer, financial planner, commercial loans officer, and mutual fund administrator.
HR
Human resource managers are responsible for hiring, managing workplace policies, and maintaining company culture. A legal background in employment law is beneficial for HR roles, especially in large corporations or those with complex structures.
Local Government
The federal and provincial governments often hire lawyers as policy analysts to research and analyse issues. They also hire mediators to help settle disputes.
In addition to the above, a law degree can be useful for careers in local government, insurance companies, and advice centres.
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Further study: Master of Science in Law (MSL), Juris Doctor, Master of Laws (LLM)
The Juris Doctor (JD) is a graduate entry degree in law, which is a prerequisite for the Master of Laws (LLM). The JD is the most common way to practice law, and it is a surefire way to become an attorney. The LLM is a degree for lawyers who want to specialize in a particular area of law or become a leader in that field. LLM degree programs are offered by the law faculties of The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the City University of Hong Kong, among others.
The Master of Studies in Law (MSL) is a master's degree offered by some law schools to students who wish to study the law but do not want to become lawyers. The MSL is an alternative to the traditional JD and is geared toward non-lawyers. The degree is popular in law-adjacent roles, such as a paralegal position, and in fields where the law is instrumental, like healthcare and human resources. The MSL is also beneficial for those in industries with high contact with legal processes, like business and entertainment, as well as those in law-focused roles, such as compliance officers. The MSL is a part-time program that can be completed in two to four years.
The MSL degree curriculum covers the intersection of law, business, and technology, with specific focus areas in business law and entrepreneurship, intellectual property and patent design, and regulatory analysis and strategy. The University of Pittsburgh School of Law offers an MSL degree with three specializations, while Northwestern Pritzker Law's MSL program allows students to design course plans that fit their interests and goals.
The Master of Laws (LLM) is an advanced legal qualification in some countries, and a prerequisite to practice law in others. For example, an LLM is required to practice law in the Netherlands, while in Germany, it is an advanced qualification of a supplementary nature. LLM programs are often specialized, allowing lawyers to become experts in a specific area of law.
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Frequently asked questions
Typical careers in law include solicitors, barristers, attorneys, and legal secretaries.
In the US, you need a Juris Doctor degree. In the UK, you need to complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) to become a solicitor, or undertake a Bar course followed by a pupillage to become a barrister.
A law degree is useful for careers in banking, finance, human resources, wealth management, and consulting.
Junior legal roles include court clerk, paralegal, legislative assistant, and legal transcriptionist.
It is important to gain relevant work experience and build a network of contacts. You can also consider taking the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) and applying for internships.
