Guide to Different Legal Careers

Written by Fatima Halawi

There are a lot of opportunities for career development within the legal sector and it can be daunting to try to navigate them. That is why it is essential to break each step into accessible bits, so individuals can be confident in their pursuit of a legal career.  

There is a common misconception that a law degree is necessary for a legal career, however, people from a non-law background have the same qualification routes available to them. Non-law graduates have the option to undertake a law conversion course -- the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL).  

Solicitor 

The role of a solicitor is to “provide legal support, advice and services to clients, who can be individuals, private companies, public sector organisations or other groups”.  

Other than pursuing a university degree, school graduates can engage in a solicitor apprenticeship which consists of paid work and study time. A benefit to this route is the first-hand exposure to the work done within law firms.  

The next step in qualifying as a solicitor is to take the SQE1 and SQE2 exams which test legal knowledge and skills. Individuals would then have to complete “qualifying work experience”.  

Solicitors can work within a law firm – a distinguishing characteristic is having a variety of clients who operate in different sectors. University students can gain a deeper understanding of the work done within law firms by attending open days, as well as insight and vacation schemes. Individuals can apply for a Training Contract to obtain a permanent position in a law firm.  

Another option is for solicitors to work in-house for a company. That way they would be caring for the needs of only one entity and have in-depth knowledge of its operations.  

Barrister 

The role of a barrister dictates that they “represent individuals or organisations in court, carry out research into points of law and advise clients on their case”.  

To gain exposure to the barrister profession during university, students can undertake a mini pupillage. To become a barrister, non-law graduates would have to complete the PGDL.  

Individuals must become a part of an Inn of Court and complete 12 “qualifying sessions”. Aspiring barristers would then have to complete a Bar Course which consists of “practical work”. After completing the course, individuals would have to be “called to the Bar” by an Inns of Court where they “are formally recognised to have passed the vocational stage of training”. The next step in becoming a barrister is to undertake a pupillage which is “practical training under the supervision of a barrister”.   

There are many opportunities for qualified barristers – some might be “self-employed in chambers, while others work in government departments or agencies”, as well within “private organisations such as in-house legal departments of charities and companies”.  

Paralegal 

The role of a paralegal is to “support other legal professionals, working in a variety of law firms and private, public sector and not-for-profit organisations”. Working as a paralegal counts as “qualifying work experience” to become a solicitor.  

There are many routes to becoming a paralegal – individuals can complete an apprenticeship, as well as certain courses and obtain a qualification.  

There is no single correct path towards achieving a legal career and it is vital for people to undertake the course of action they feel is the most suitable for them.  

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Fatima Halawi is a first-year LLB Law student at King’s College London. She hopes to pursue a career as a commercial law solicitor.