A CAREER IN LAW BY LAWCAREERS.NET

The first woman to become a solicitor, Carrie Morrison, qualified in 1923. It had taken the passing of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 for women to be permitted to become solicitors or barristers at all. Now Over 18,000 women solicitors are members of the Association of Women Solicitors which has a strong network of Regional Groups in different parts of England and Wales. You can find more information on www.womensolicitors.org.uk

Overview of the Profession

The work of a solicitor

Solicitors give advice and assistance on matters of law. Specifically, they are the first point of contact for people and bodies (members of the public, companies and charities) seeking skilled legal advice and representation. Most solicitors work together in private practice, while others work in central and local government, or 'in-house' in a commercial or industrial organization.

The work of a barrister

Barristers offer advice on legal issues and are on the front line, representing clients in court. They receive their information and instructions through a client's solicitor. For further information on the work of a barrister and the different areas of law in which they practice, see the Barristers section of www.LawCareers.net

Necessary skills

If you're looking for a career that gives you variety in terms of work, allows you to be self-employed and puts your advocacy skills to good use, a career at the Bar could be for you.

Broadly speaking, those working as solicitors will enjoy working as a part of a team and are happy with plenty of client contact and paperwork.

Firm types

Generally, law firms can be categorized as follows. General practice involves working in a small or medium-sized firm and offering legal advice to the local community Commercial firms, particularly those in London, specialize in advising large corporate clients on multi-million pound transactions. Such firms often have branch offices in major financial and commercial centres throughout the country and abroad.

Niche practices specialize in a particular area of law - for example sports law, where they could find themselves representing a famous footballing client in contractual and sponsorship negotiations.

Qualifying as a Lawyer

Top grades are required throughout your academic studies to become a solicitor or barrister. The quickest route into the profession is to get top marks in GCSEs and A-levels, at least a 2.1 university law degree, and then further training and qualifications. The LPC and BVC are offered by colleges and universities throughout the country, and ensure that students have the necessary skills to work in a solicitors' office or barristers' chambers.

For solicitors, there are alternative routes into the profession - for example, qualifying as a legal executive through the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) and undertaking training while working. Graduates in a non-law degree subject can still qualify as a solicitor or barrister by taking the Common Professional Exam or Graduate Diploma in Law before embarking on the LPC/BVC.

At school and college

Aspiring lawyers should get ahead of the pack by focusing on getting top grades: most university law courses require GCSEs at A and B grades and a minimum of 3 good A-levels.

At university

Students set on a career in law need to continue getting good grades throughout university, and not make the mistake of thinking that it's only the end-of-third-year exam performance that counts. Most firms / chambers will want to see a steady stream of 2.1s and firsts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a university/postgraduate provider?

Choose by identifying factors that are important to you - these might include location, entry requirements, the courses on offer and the standing of the institution within the profession. Take advantage of open days, check websites and ask those already in the profession for their opinions.

If I do a law degree do I have to become a lawyer?

Not at all! Law graduates are in demand for having a high-status degree and a variety of options are available to them.

What about the cost of all the training?

Law student debt is a serious issue and means that the decision to train as a lawyer shouldn't be taken lightly. Rewards after qualification and especially at partnership level are high, but there's lots of scrimping and saving to be done before then.

How competitive is the profession?

In a word, very: law is an extremely sought-after degree in British universities, with over 20,000 students applying to study it annually.

If you are interested in the law please visit www.LawCareers.net The site is designed to provide all the information you need for a career in the legal profession.