Law and related work - The Student Room
The Student Room

Law and related work

TSR Wiki > Careers > Career Options > A-Z of Careers > Law and related work

 
 
Job Opportunities
Search for jobs on TSR's partner site, Guardian Jobs.
Or, search for jobs on the UK's largest jobs database, Jobcentre Plus.
 
 
The Forum
Want to talk about jobs in the legal sector? Then visit the Legal Sector subforum.
 
 
Other Links
Find out more about the society supporting solicitors from the Law Society.
Or visit the website of the Bar Council to find out more information about the bar and the process of becoming a barrister.

General

Among young people, especially those hoping for high grades, legal careers are a popular move. This is in spite of the fact that working hours can be long, training expensive and much of the work routine - never mind the negative stories about lawyers appearing in the media! Maybe part of the attraction is that the law is constantly changing. Legislation, for instance, has recently been introduced concerning human rights and the prevention of discrimination against people with disabilities. Other changes have included the merger of various law firms. Some of these mergers have resulted in huge international firms which has meant opportunities to work abroad but also the need for individuals to become specialists.

Already know you want a Career in law? Then check out our Routes into Law page.

What does the Legal Sector involve?

The legal sector involves everything to do withlegalservices from where the police's interaction ends. The legal process in this country is incredibly complex and a large number of staff and support staff are needed to make it run smoothly. And even with these staff, the justice system and High Court Judges in particular often come under criticism and intense scrutiny. A job in the legal sector could see you working in courts or behind the scenes, dealing with paper or people.

Why should I apply for a career in the Legal Sector?

Aside from the financial rewards that would come from becoming a high profile barrister, the legal sector offers a number of interesting and challenging prospects for those that would consider a career in the sector. You'd be able to work with a wide range of people on a daily basis and, if your position involves working in court, getting to sit in and listen to court cases if you're not directly involved is likely to be a very attractive opportunity.

Whatever role you end up in, you'll be making a contribution to keeping the country in order.

Training and Applicants

Many legal jobs require at least a few GCSEs or Standard grades and, because competition can be strong, high grades don't do any harm. Some areas will obviously require require degrees (barrister, advocate and solicitor – though a very few people make it via the legal executive route) and then further courses and training. Legal secretaries often have relevant secretarial qualifications but employers are also concerned with typing speed and accuracy.

For lawyers, confidence and excellent verbal and communications skills are obviously necessary. Other useful traits are analytical ability and the ability to follow protocol. For other roles, communication and rule following will always be a very important character trait. Why not find out more information about solicitor jobs as an example?

What opportunities are available within the sector?

Opportunities in law are available at all levels. Some jobs involve assisting people and organisations with legal problems or queries (such as solicitors, barristers, advocates and legal executives). General support and background roles are also possible, such as legal secretary and court usher. Depending on the job, people can work for many types of organisations, including private companies and local and national government but self-employment is also possible for some areas (barristers are mostly self-employed).

Visit the relevant forum

Latest Relevant Discussions
last updated 37 Minutes Ago by Joinedup Go to last post
last updated 2 Hours Ago by Isherwood100 Go to last post
last updated 2 Hours Ago by chriswalker Go to last post
last updated 4 Hours Ago by myfyriwr Go to last post
last updated 17 Hours Ago by El_Dude Go to last post
Create New ThreadGo to Legal Forum

Further Information

Case Studies

Username:

When did you begin training?

How did you find the traning?

Did/do you enjoy the job?

Have you gained anything from this job and if so, what?

Discussions Toggle
Durham English Offers/Rejections for 2012 entry
started by: Peachy800
forum: Durham University
replies: 88
last post: 1 Minute Ago
The Music game Mark II
started by: dipless
forum: Music
replies: 3214
last post: 2 Minutes Ago
If you could star in any TV show which would it be?
started by: lolalola
forum: TV
replies: 26
last post: 3 Minutes Ago
Durham Offers/Rejection Thread
started by: student1234567891
forum: Durham University
replies: 376
last post: 3 Minutes Ago
Speech and Language Therapy entry 2012
started by: naomiele
forum: Healthcare and Nursing
replies: 2840
last post: 4 Minutes Ago
Here’s another Islam bashing thread.
started by: ckingalt
forum: Religion
replies: 18
last post: 6 Minutes Ago
Shorty's Transformation
started by: shorty.loves.angels
forum: TSR Transformation Contest forum
replies: 102
last post: 6 Minutes Ago
LSE postgrad applicants 2012-13
started by: FinLuv
forum: Postgraduate
replies: 1260
last post: 8 Minutes Ago
Biomed applicants 2012
started by: nikkayyyxo
forum: Life Sciences
replies: 333
last post: 9 Minutes Ago
TSR Indian Society - MK2 (reborn)
started by: Indian_Prince
forum: International Lounge
replies: 7701
last post: 9 Minutes Ago
help sociology unit 4
started by: Meeeee:)
forum: Sociology
replies: 1
last post: 10 Minutes Ago
Yuck or Yum
started by: RainbowDoll
forum: Food and Drink
replies: 5868
last post: 11 Minutes Ago
Who's point of view do you find the most/least interesting in The Game of Thrones?
started by: Northern_Monkey
forum: Books, Literature & Poetry
replies: 49
last post: 15 Minutes Ago
anyone would like to play tennis?
started by: Italianguy28
forum: Friends, Family and Work
replies: 1
last post: 18 Minutes Ago
Argentina to complain to US about 'militarization' of the South Atlantic
started by: ras90
forum: International
replies: 6
last post: 19 Minutes Ago
Ayatollah's doctrine for the destruction of Israel
started by: thisisnew
forum: International
replies: 13
last post: 20 Minutes Ago
University of Hertfordshire applicants 2012
started by: LastHype
forum: University of Hertfordshire
replies: 611
last post: 20 Minutes Ago
Anybody could share some information about UCL 【MSc Management】??
started by: emmalu
forum: University College, London
replies: 3
last post: 20 Minutes Ago
The Trans*/Non-Cisgender Thread
started by: kerily
forum: Health
replies: 272
last post: 21 Minutes Ago
UEL for Postgraduate degrees?
started by: Lucky1289
forum: Postgraduate
replies: 0
last post: 24 Minutes Ago
Article Updates Toggle
Contact Us | Site Rules | Staying Safe on TSR | Advertising | Staff Blog | Essays & Coursework | Terms & Conditions | Top
Customise your TSR | Life Advice | Hobbies and Interests | Debate and Current Affairs | Study Help | University and University courses
Universities and HE Colleges | Careers, Employment and Gap Years | General Discussion

Customise your TSR