LAW SECTOR INSIGHT

THINKING ABOUT A CAREER IN THE LEGAL SECTOR?

Law impacts every aspect of life so its a great career move with lots of opportunity. But its not all like Suits and other TV dramas, so do your homework and make sure you know what's involved There are a wide range of roles within the legal sector (eg solicitor, barrister, paralegal, company secretary, legal aid, high court judge) and wider justice system (eg law enforcement, Courts services, prison officer, Ministry of Justice) But studying Law doesn't just lead to becoming a lawyer: the transferable skills it brings can open so many doors, and in fact, a career in Law offers more diversity than almost any other profession Ultimately, a lawyer helps get results, so whether you are a barrister advising a multinational corporate client, a paralegal helping abuse victims obtain restraining orders, or a solicitor research a tax issue for a private client, the challenge of problem-solving can be highly rewarding (both intellectually and financially)

Are there lots of jobs out there? Lawyers have expertise and skills that make them highly employable in many different sectors, offering more diversity than many other sectors

Does it pay well? The legal profession is one of the highest earning professions in today's job market, with some top barristers and solicitors earning more than £1 million per year.

Have you got what it takes? Skills valued in Law include communication skills, analytical skills, problem-solving, diplomacy, persuasiveness and attention to detail. Confident speakers may favour roles with regular public speaking, but there are other roles that rely on strong research skills

Main Areas Of Law

CRIMINAL: Offences (sometimes violent) involving people or property People are accused of a crime are tried in magistrates' courts and crown courts

CIVIL: Conflicts between individuals within the community, decided by a judge in the county courts and the High Court Most laws we know are civil laws

NON-CONTENTIOUS: Commercial contracts, finance agreements, wills, conveyancing and many other areas where there is no dispute, which are also ruled over by a judge in teh county courts and the High Court.