Cecily Zamora
A law degree is a versatile qualification that opens doors to various career paths in Malaysia. While some law graduates in Malaysia pursue traditional legal careers as lawyers, legal practitioners, or solicitors, others explore diverse opportunities beyond the legal profession. These include roles in the public sector, government, business, corporations, and even the media and entertainment industries. Law graduates can work in legal departments of government agencies, provide legal advice, shape public policy, or join the judicial service. They can also venture into academia, research, or pursue entrepreneurial endeavours. The skills acquired during a law degree, such as critical thinking, analytical abilities, and reasoning, are highly valued across industries and provide a strong foundation for various career trajectories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Career options | Lawyer, lecturer, journalist, entrepreneur, civil servant, diplomat, politician, academic |
| Salary | Lawyers/DPPs don't earn much, but joining legal counsel can earn you at least RM15k-20k after 5-6 years of experience |
| Skills | Strong reasoning, critical thinking, analytical skills |
| Opportunities | Ability to work in a variety of sectors including government, public sector, business, corporations, and entertainment |
| Financial stability | A professional law qualification can provide financial stability and job security |
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What You'll Learn
Legal profession
A law degree is the first step towards a career in the traditional legal sector. Law graduates can pursue a career as a legal practitioner, advocate or solicitor. To practise law in Malaysia, graduates are required to pass the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) exam and complete a compulsory 9-month period of practical training referred to as 'chambering' or pupillage under the supervision of a senior lawyer.
Law graduates can also work in the public sector, in legal departments in agencies such as the Ministry of Home Affairs, Royal Malaysian Police and Attorney General’s Chambers. They can also join the judicial service and support the magistrate.
Those with a law degree can also pursue a career in academia, either after gaining experience as a practising lawyer or earlier in their career with a focus on research.
Outside of the legal profession, a law degree can be useful for a variety of careers. Law students develop strong reasoning, critical thinking and analytical skills that can be applied to many different roles. For example, some law graduates in Malaysia have gone on to become journalists, writers, and entrepreneurs.
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Academia
Law graduates in Malaysia can pursue careers in academia, typically by becoming lecturers at higher education institutions. Some law graduates enter academia after gaining significant work experience as practising lawyers, leveraging their real-world expertise to teach applied aspects of law. Others may opt for academia earlier in their careers, focusing more on researching specialised areas of law. Pursuing a PhD is an option for those seeking academic careers. Additionally, law graduates can contribute to making law more accessible by writing for websites or publications that focus on simplifying legal concepts for the general public.
Law graduates from universities like the University of Reading Malaysia and UOW Malaysia are well-equipped to pursue academic careers. These institutions emphasise holistic education, real-world learning, and the development of strong reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical skills. The University of Reading Malaysia also boasts excellent faculty and cutting-edge facilities, including a moot court, legal clinic, and e-library, fostering a world-class student learning experience.
While a career in academia may not offer the same financial incentives as practising law, it provides a stable and secure income. Law lecturers in academia can earn respectable salaries, especially at prestigious institutions, and benefit from the intellectual stimulation and flexibility that academic pursuits offer.
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Journalism
A law degree can be a great asset for a career in journalism, and there are several paths you can take to get started in this field in Malaysia.
Court reporting is a natural fit for someone with a law degree, as you will be familiar with legal terms and court procedures, and may even have connections with lawyers, DPPs, and court officials. This was the route taken by Terence, who eventually moved into feature writing, focusing on public interest stories and the Malaysian arts scene.
There are several ways to build a portfolio and gain experience in journalism. You could work on student publications, start your own blog, or take advantage of work placements. It is also worth contacting TV studios, radio outlets, magazines, and newspapers to ask about work experience or shadowing opportunities.
If you are set on a career in journalism, it is worth considering further training. A training course accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) is highly regarded by employers.
In addition to traditional journalism, a law degree can be useful for roles in marketing, advertising, and PR. These roles will still require strong communication and writing skills, as well as an understanding of legal procedures and concepts.
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Civil service
A law degree is a versatile qualification that opens doors to various career paths, including civil service. In Malaysia, a law degree can be a valuable asset for those aspiring to work in the public sector and contribute to the country's governance and development.
As a legal advisor or counsel within a government ministry or department, law graduates can provide legal advice, draft and review legislation, and represent the government in negotiations or legal proceedings. They play a crucial role in ensuring that government policies and decisions comply with the law and protect the public interest. Working closely with senior officials and ministers, they gain valuable insights into the policymaking process and have the opportunity to shape the country's legal framework.
Another avenue for law graduates in civil service is to join regulatory bodies or commissions, such as the Suruhanjaya Sekuriti Malaysia (Securities Commission) or the Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (Companies Commission). These organizations play a vital role in regulating and overseeing specific industries, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. Law graduates can contribute their legal expertise to policy formulation, enforcement, and dispute resolution within these sectors.
Additionally, law graduates can pursue careers in public administration, where they can apply their legal knowledge to the management and administration of government affairs. They may work in areas such as human resources, finance, or strategic planning, utilizing their analytical skills and understanding of governance to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of public services.
The civil service in Malaysia provides a unique opportunity for law graduates to contribute to the country's development and make a positive impact on the lives of its citizens. It offers diverse roles and the chance to work on complex issues, making civil service a rewarding career path for those passionate about public service and utilizing their legal expertise for the greater good.
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Business
A law degree from Malaysia can open up a variety of career paths in the business world. Here are some options:
Entrepreneurship and Business Ownership
A law degree is not necessary to start and run a business, but it can be advantageous. A law graduate, Adoravelle, started her own jewellery design business while working as a lawyer. The skills and connections she gained from her legal education and experience helped her in her entrepreneurial journey. She was able to apply her legal knowledge to forming relationships with the local community and navigating the business world.
Compliance and Regulatory Roles
Law graduates can pursue careers in compliance and regulatory roles within companies, particularly in sectors such as banking. These roles ensure that the company's operations adhere to legal standards and regulations.
Diplomacy and International Organisations
Working with international organisations, such as the United Nations, can be a lucrative career path for law graduates. Becoming a diplomat involves representing and promoting a country's interests abroad, often requiring a strong understanding of international law and relations.
Academia and Lecturing
Law graduates can pursue academic careers, becoming lecturers or professors at universities. They can share their knowledge and expertise with law students, shaping the next generation of legal professionals. This path often involves advanced research and a focus on specialised areas of law.
In addition to traditional law programmes, some Malaysian educational institutions offer unique combinations of business and law degrees. These include programmes such as Business and Law, Business and Marketing, and Business and Economics. These dual honours degrees provide a strong foundation for graduates seeking to blend their legal expertise with business acumen, making them attractive candidates for a variety of roles in the business world.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many career paths you can take with a law degree in Malaysia. The most common option is to become a lawyer or legal practitioner, but other options include:
- Working in the public sector as a civil servant in legal departments.
- Joining the judicial service and supporting a magistrate.
- Working in higher education as a law academic.
- Joining compliance and regulatory departments in companies like banks.
- Working in the government, business, corporations, or even entertainment sectors.
A law degree can be useful in a variety of fields, and some less obvious career paths include:
- Court reporting or journalism.
- Opening a small business, like a cafe.
- Politics.
- Diplomacy.
- Lecturing.
A law degree can provide financial stability and job security. It also helps develop strong reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical skills that can be useful in various fields.
Some universities in Malaysia that offer law degree programs include:
- University of Reading Malaysia (UoRM)
- KDU University College
- UOW Malaysia
- Brickfields Asia College (BAC)
To become a lawyer in Malaysia, law graduates are required to pass the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) exam in Malaysia or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) in the UK. They must also complete a compulsory 9-month period of practical training referred to as 'chambering' or pupillage under the supervision of a senior lawyer before they can be called to the Bar and qualified to practise law.
