Gavin Howe
A law degree is a versatile qualification that opens doors to a multitude of career paths. While many law graduates go on to become solicitors, barristers, or legal professionals, others choose to pursue alternative careers. The skills acquired during a law degree, such as analytical and communication skills, are highly valued by employers and can be applied in various sectors. Law graduates can be found working in finance, human resources, sales, marketing, and even journalism or education. Some graduates may choose to start their own businesses, while others may pursue careers in policy analysis, consulting, or insurance. With a law degree, the possibilities are endless, and graduates can explore diverse paths beyond the traditional legal profession.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Career options | Lawyer, solicitor, judge, journalist, teacher/professor, entrepreneur, legislator, CEO, private investigator, policy analyst, consultant, insurance agent, human resources, sales, marketing, finance, product/project manager, and more |
| Skills developed | Analytical, communication, and management skills |
| Work settings | Law firms, corporations, government, academia, non-profits, small businesses |
| Job market competitiveness | Competitive; relevant work experience is important |
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What You'll Learn
Law careers: solicitors, barristers, lawyers, judges
A law degree can open doors to various career paths, including traditional legal roles and alternative options outside the courtroom. Here, we will focus on four common law careers: solicitors, barristers, lawyers, and judges.
Solicitors
Solicitors provide specialist legal advice to their clients, which can range from individuals to organisations. They are often the first point of contact for legal queries and can work in various areas of law, including criminal, family, corporate, or commercial law. Solicitors are typically employed by law firms, private organisations, government bodies, or the court service. While they may occasionally attend court, most of their work takes place outside the courtroom. To become a solicitor, one must complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE), gain relevant work experience, and apply to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for admission.
Barristers
Barristers represent their clients in court and provide specialist advice in their legal practice area. They often work self-employed in chambers and collaborate closely with solicitors, using the legal work carried out by solicitors to prepare for trials or hearings. Barristers typically wear gowns and wigs in court and can work at higher levels of court than solicitors. To become a barrister, one must complete the Bar Practice Course (BPC), undertake work-based training known as a pupillage, and then qualify for the Bar.
Lawyers
Lawyers is a broad term that can encompass both solicitors and barristers, as well as other legal professionals. They provide legal advice, represent clients, and specialise in various areas of law. The path to becoming a lawyer can vary depending on the specific role and jurisdiction but typically involves completing relevant education, gaining practical experience, and meeting local regulatory requirements.
Judges
Judges preside over legal cases and ensure fair trial proceedings, particularly in cases involving juries. They rule over the decision-making process and make sure the jury arrives at their verdict correctly. Both solicitors and barristers may be appointed as judges based on merit by the Judicial Appointments Commission. The path to becoming a judge typically involves a combination of legal experience, distinguished service, and a record of scholarship and publication.
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Academia: law professors, lecturers, LSAT tutors
If you're interested in pursuing a career in academia with a law degree, there are several paths you can take, including becoming a law professor, lecturer, or LSAT tutor.
Law Professors
Becoming a law professor typically involves a competitive academic job market, and it may be challenging to secure a position without connections to prominent faculty members. It is advantageous to have prominent faculty members in your corner who can write letters of recommendation and provide support. Additionally, pursuing post-J.D. training, such as a graduate degree in a law-related discipline or a fellowship program, can enhance your credentials. Publishing research articles and building a strong academic portfolio are also crucial steps to improving your chances of securing a tenure-track job.
Lecturers
Lecturers in law schools typically teach three to four courses, including a mix of "service" courses for first-year students and upper-level courses related to their specific area of expertise. They may also be involved in supervising students in law practice, which can be demanding alongside writing academic articles. Lecturers are often expected to serve on committees within their department and across the campus community.
LSAT Tutors
LSAT tutors help students prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which is a crucial factor in law school admissions. LSAT tutors provide individualized guidance, adapt their instruction to suit their students' needs, and help them improve their exam scores. They may work with students applying for law degrees or those already studying for their degrees.
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Politics: policy analysts, legislators, lobbyists
A law degree can be a great asset for a career in politics. Lawyers have been involved in politics since the drafting of the US constitution, and many US presidents, senators, and congresspeople have been lawyers. For example, Bill and Hillary Clinton met at Yale Law School, and Barack Obama also attended law school before entering politics. In the UK, around 14% of MPs in 2010 were formerly barristers or solicitors.
Law students gain a range of skills and experiences that can be beneficial in politics. Studying law teaches you to construct arguments, think critically, and challenge policy. A law graduate working in politics will have greater awareness of the implications of parliamentary decisions, as well as confidence, public speaking skills, and the ability to formulate arguments effectively.
With a law degree, you can pursue roles such as policy analyst, legislator, or lobbyist. Policy analysts research and analyze the potential impacts of policies and laws. They may work for governments, non-profit organizations, or think tanks. Legislators, on the other hand, are the ones proposing and creating new laws. They may be members of parliament, senators, or representatives, and they work to represent their constituents and shape the laws of their country or state. Lobbyists are individuals who attempt to influence legislators and other policymakers to make or change laws in a way that favors their interests. Lobbyists can work for businesses, non-profit organizations, or other special interest groups.
To get started in politics, many law schools have designated public interest career counselors who can help students find externships, internships, and summer jobs in the public sector. Joining a political campaign as a volunteer is also a great way to get involved and network with lawyers and politicians.
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Business: finance, product development, HR
A law degree can be a valuable asset in the business world, particularly in the areas of finance, product development, and HR.
In finance, a law degree can help with understanding and interpreting contracts, reducing risks, and safeguarding the business's interests. This can be applied to various industries, including publishing, journalism, web development, and technology, where intellectual property (IP) law is especially relevant. For example, understanding copyright law can help protect a business's creative works and avoid legal issues.
In product development, a law degree can be beneficial in interpreting user needs and turning them into deliverable products. Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and experience in explaining complex concepts are transferable skills from the legal sector that can enhance the development lifecycle of a product. Additionally, a law degree can help identify potential problems and risks, saving time, money, and stress for the business.
A law degree can also be useful in HR, as it provides a deep understanding of legal obligations and rights in a business context. This includes knowledge of consumer law, which holds businesses accountable for their advertising and marketing practices, and can help boost customer confidence and protect the business's reputation.
Overall, a law degree in business can help identify and manage a range of business risks, adapt to new and emerging laws, and make informed decisions with a legal perspective, ultimately protecting and improving the bottom line.
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Media: journalism, publishing
A law degree can be a great asset for a career in media, journalism, and publishing. Legal journalists are responsible for reporting on legal matters, keeping their audience informed about the latest legal issues and updates. This can be done through various mediums such as social media, newspapers, blogs, and videos.
A law degree provides a strong foundation for this career path as it equips individuals with knowledge of the legal system and the ability to conduct extensive research, gather credible facts, case laws, and statistics. This expertise can be leveraged to write articles, curate content, and spread legal awareness.
Additionally, a law degree can open doors to opportunities in media, print, broadcast, and legal publications. For example, business-to-business (B2B) publications often seek writers with legal expertise to cover legal topics. Legal journalists can also find work in legal journals, which tend to be higher-paying than traditional newspapers.
To enhance employability in the field of journalism, it is beneficial to develop a portfolio of work and gain relevant experience. This can be achieved by working on student media outlets, starting a blog, or pursuing internships with law firms or media organizations.
Furthermore, a double degree in law and journalism, or a BA Media and Law, can be advantageous, providing a deeper understanding of the journalism field and expanding job prospects. Graduates with a law degree can also consider pursuing internships, freelancing, or further education to enhance their skills and employability in the media and journalism industries.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you can do anything that you would do without a law degree. A law degree is, however, a gateway to a career as a solicitor or barrister.
Some jobs that require a law degree include working as a lawyer, solicitor, legal associate, or legal secretary.
Some jobs that prefer a law degree include working in insurance, finance, sales, marketing, human resources, and politics.
Some non-legal jobs that law graduates often pursue include working as a journalist, professor, teacher, entrepreneur, CEO, or in public policy.
Some alternative jobs you can get with a law degree include working as a judge, policy analyst, private investigator, or in property development, banking, or the financial sector.
