Studying law seems like the perfect degree if you want to become a barrister or solicitor, but those aren’t the only career options open to legal graduates. Below, we look at some of the careers you could consider.
By Editorial Team. Published 28 February 2024.
What can you do with a law degree?
Legal knowledge can be a huge advantage across many businesses and organisations, and studying law provides you with a range of attributes which are invaluable across a variety of sectors. Throughout your studies you’ll develop many transferrable skills, everything from problem solving and working under pressure to conflict resolution and persuasive reasoning. It’s these attributes which make law students desirable candidates in a variety of roles and professions.
Career options for law graduates
Barrister
If you want a career in the courtroom then becoming a barrister might be the career option for you. You’ll spend your time providing legal advice and representing a client, or clients, in various legal proceedings, such as hearings, trials, and appeals. After completing your undergraduate degree you’ll need to complete the Bar Practice Course (BPC). Once completed you’ll need to secure a pupillage. Becoming a barrister can be competitive but offers a challenging career and a rewarding experience.
Solicitor
Solicitors provide legal advice and guidance to their clients and may represent them outside of the courtroom, depending on the legal area in which they specialise. You’ll liaise with clients, draft legal documents, and help barristers prepare for trial. The knowledge and skills you’ll gain during your studies will be instrumental in qualifying as a solicitor. After graduating you’ll need to take the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). You can find out more about becoming a solicitor on our Careers Section.
However, even if you’re thinking of studying law this doesn’t mean you have to become a solicitor or barrister. There are many more career options for law graduates, both within the legal world and beyond.
In House Lawyer
Another popular option for graduates with a law degree is to explore the possibility of working ‘in house’. In house lawyers are legal professionals employed by a business or company and provide advice and guidance on the legal issues which will affect the organisation. Unlike those working for law firms who will have a range of clients, an in house lawyer only has the one. Their employer. One of the appeals for working in house is the variety of work they might have a hand in. For instance, you could be responsible for contract negotiations, managing intellectual property, advising on employment law and much more.
Roles for in house lawyers are wide ranging and, for some, it means they can combine their legal knowledge and expertise with an industry they’re passionate about. Many of our alumni have gone on to work in industries such as gaming and film and TV, and have worked for companies such as Aardman, Vodafone and TikTok. You can read more about the varied careers of our graduates, and learn how they started their legal journey, on our alumni pages.
Paralegal
Another popular career move for graduates is to become a paralegal. As a paralegal you’ll support solicitors and other legal professionals in carrying out legal research, managing communications and preparing cases. Whilst a degree isn’t necessary to find work as a paralegal, choosing to study a law degree first will give you a competitive advantage when it comes to looking for work. In addition, becoming a paralegal and then training and progressing into another role within a law firm, such as that of a solicitor, is a career move many graduates choose to undertake.
Chartered Legal Executive
Chartered legal executives are legal professionals who have gained further qualifications after gaining their law degree through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX). Chartered legal executives will specialise in a particular area of the law (such as probate law, conveyancing, or litigation) and, once qualified, you’ll be able to carry out many of the same tasks as a solicitor – though there are some restrictions. You can find out more about the CILEX qualification and see if becoming a chartered legal executive seems like a good fit for you.
Alternative career options with a law degree
There are many more career options beyond the legal world. For example, the business world is full of law graduates. Their attention to detail, ability to work under pressure and communication expertise are sought after by many employers. We even offer an LLB in Law with Business for those who have an interest in law but who see themselves working in a corporate environment. You could also work within banking and finance, for a charity, within education, or local or national government. A law degree can lead to a career within politics – we have politicians among our alumni. You could join the police service, work within the justice system, or even work to change the legal system by studying our LLB in Law with Criminology.
The wide ranging, transferrable skills and obvious career diversity are just some of the many reasons why people choose to study law. Regardless of if you want to become a legal professional or explore a career elsewhere there are many interesting things you can do with a law degree.
Choose law and open the door to a world of career opportunities..
Explore our range of undergraduate degrees and enrol in your future today.
