Whilst you may be determined and understandably so, and able in academic terms, prospects for a career in the law have never been so challenging and many law students can become blinkered to the fact that legal qualifications can be used in many other careers which can be equally stimulating, financially rewarding, and frankly a lot less stressful (this comment is made in the writers capacity as a former lawyer who has jumped ship and is much the happier for it)
Later in this article, I set out some of the numerous alternatives (my list is certainly not intended to be exhaustive – lawyers always add caveats !). However, if you are determined to try and join 1 of the 10,300 or so firms of solicitors in private practice in England and Wales or the 12,000 or so self-employed barristers I wish you the very best of luck !
Alternatives to the slog of private practice
- In-house lawyer
- Finance – financial services, anlyst positions, stockbroking, insurance. Many provide summer work placement programmes, which are an excellent starting point ( experiencing the day to day work environment is very important)
- Insolvency work – much of insolvency work, particularly when dealing with administrations is very law related, is highly interesting and challenging work, and can be lucrative.
- Joining an accountancy practice, which could also lead to a legal career due to the very high probability of more hybrid law/accountancy practices in the future when alternative business structures come into play
- Publishing and media – writing about law can be very interesting and there are many publishers requiring not only legal content but also legal advice about content. In addition, there are now an ever increasing number of online publishers, and the traditional role has changed to incrporate among other things copywriting and blogging (I am always on the look out for freelance content so please email if you are interested in this)
- Further education – a law degree and/or LPC qualification are useful tools for applying to do an MBA, which in turn is a highly recognised general business qualification
- Commercial investigation – many law students have no knowledge of this possible career, which often involves legally qualified people and is a fascinating and varied role, comprising analytical input, strategic thinking, research skills, legal knowledge and client management skills. There are a large number of niche commercial investigation suppliers worth looking into.
- Company secretrial – can lead to a professional career as an independent non-executive director. There is a sizeable market for freelance directors with good business backgrounds and experience, and knowledge of the law, obviously corporate and company law, is very useful for many companies.