Keith Mack
There are a variety of jobs in the legal sector in the UK. Some of the most well-known roles include solicitors, barristers, and judges. However, there are many other options to choose from, such as legislative assistants, paralegals, legal secretaries, and licensed conveyancers. Law graduates can also become journalists, TV or radio hosts, or entertainment managers. Some jobs that require a law degree include human resources and corporate lawyers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Solicitor, Advocate, Barrister, Arbitrator, Judge, Paralegal, Legal Secretary, Legal Executive, Conveyancer, Patent Attorney, Probation Officer, Crown Prosecutor, Equalities Officer, Family Mediator, Forensic Psychologist, Forensic Scientist, Immigration Adviser, Law Costs Lawyer, Legal Cashier, Researcher, Court Usher, Civil Servant, Police Officer, Teacher, Legislative Assistant, Journalist, TV or Radio Host, Entertainment Manager, Corporate Lawyer |
| Qualifications | Law Degree, Graduate Diploma in Law, Chartered Institute of Legal Executives Graduate Fast-Track Diploma, Training Contract, Bar Course, Pupillage, University Route including Traineeship, Postgraduate Certificate in Education |
| Skills | Specialist Legal Knowledge, Expertise in Court Procedures, Administration, Business Activities, Attention to Detail, Critical Thinking, Writing, Interpersonal Communication, Negotiation |
| Salary | £23,636-£44,052 per year (varies depending on the role, organisation, experience, academic background and location) |
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What You'll Learn
Paralegals
The work of a paralegal will vary depending on their experience and area of specialisation. Entry-level paralegals can expect a salary between £14,000 and £24,000 per year, while experienced paralegals can earn an average of £25,000, going up to £40,000 to £70,000 in senior positions. The demand for skilled paralegals is constantly growing, especially in cities like London, where the average salary is £27,572, although it can go up to £35,435.
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Barristers
In the UK, barristers are a type of lawyer who specialises in court advocacy and legal advisory services. They have the right to represent clients in court, which is their main role. Unlike solicitors, barristers are trained to present cases, cross-examine witnesses, and argue points of law before judges and juries. They are also independent and unbiased sources of legal advice.
To become a barrister, you need to complete rigorous training after obtaining a law degree. This involves both academic study and practical experience, including a vocational period within a work-based setting and an apprenticeship. You can get into this profession through a university course or by working in a law firm or the legal department of an organisation. With support from your employer, you can complete a qualification like the Level 6 Professional Higher Diploma in Law. If you're already a qualified solicitor, you can apply to become a barrister with approval from the Bar Standards Board and by sitting a Bar Transfer Test.
The role of a barrister requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to express arguments and ideas clearly. They must also possess determination, stamina, self-motivation, self-discipline, and a responsible attitude with integrity.
In terms of earnings, barristers with over ten years of experience can expect salaries ranging from £65,000 to £1,000,000, with those based in London and other major cities typically earning higher salaries.
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Legal secretaries
The role varies from employer to employer. In a small firm, a legal secretary may undertake a full range of office management tasks, whereas in a large firm, the scope of work may be more focused. Typical tasks include drafting documents, diary management, taking minutes in meetings, and greeting clients, as well as typing and preparing contracts and agreements according to a lawyer's instructions.
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Solicitors
There are various routes to becoming a qualified solicitor. The traditional route involves obtaining a law degree or an alternative undergraduate degree followed by the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). If you have a qualifying law degree, you can then complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and two years of qualifying legal work experience, most commonly a training contract. In Scotland, the route to becoming a solicitor involves a university route, which includes a two-year traineeship under the supervision of a practising solicitor.
The average salary for a solicitor in the UK is £55,873, although this can vary depending on experience and the specific area of law practised.
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Legal executives
To qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive, one must undertake a series of training courses and pass qualifications relevant to the area of practice. The first stage of the full vocational route is the CILEX Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice, which is A-level law equivalent. The second and final qualifications are equivalent to an honours degree course - the CILEX Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice. Trainees often work and study simultaneously to gain practical skills. Chartered Legal Executives qualify after completing their CILEX training, followed by a minimum of three years of qualifying employment. This employment is usually in a paralegal role to satisfy the vocational stage of qualification.
The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX), a professional body representing Chartered Legal Executives, was founded in 1892 and received a Royal Charter in 2012. CILEX has approximately 20,000 members, all of whom are independently regulated.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many jobs in the legal sector in the UK, including:
- Solicitor
- Barrister
- Chartered legal executive
- Paralegal
- Legal secretary
- Judge
- Arbitrator
- Court legal adviser
- Crown prosecutor
- Forensic psychologist
Solicitors advise clients about the law and act on their behalf in legal matters.
Barristers are a type of lawyer who specialises in advocacy and litigation. They represent clients, individuals and organisations in court, provide legal advice and plead the case on behalf of clients.
Paralegals carry out research, prepare legal documents and give legal advice to clients.
Legal secretaries provide administrative support to solicitors, barristers and the law courts.
A law degree is a great foundation for many careers, including:
- Legislative assistant
- Journalist
- TV or radio host
- Human resources
- Corporate lawyer
