SECTOR SPOTLIGHT ON LEGAL SERVICES
What law careers can I do ?
You might be surprised but working in law isn ’ t all barristers and solicitors , although this is a popular career path , there is a diversity of routes available . Let ’ s explore some of the different careers within the legal discipline and the qualifications required to enter the role :
Solicitor / Lawyer
Solicitors provide legal advice and guidance to private and commercial clients . Typically , solicitors specialise in one area of the legal system including : family , litigation , property or tax .
How to become a lawyer / solicitor To get into this profession there are a number of routes you can take , these include :
With a degree To start a career as a solicitor , you could complete a qualifying law degree which is then followed by a Legal Practice Course ( LPC ).
Don ’ t have a law degree ? Don ’ t worry ! You can also become a solicitor via a non-law degree but you ’ ll then need to complete a Common Professional Examination ( CPE ) or a conversion course Graduate Diploma in Law ( GDL ), this would then be followed by the Legal Practice Course .
Without a degree If you don ’ t have a degree then you can become qualified via the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives route ( CILEx ), while working in the legal profession . This gives you the chance to gain experience as an apprentice in the legal sector while also developing the skills and knowledge to qualify .
It ’ s also worth noting that how solicitors qualify in England and Wales is scheduled to change over the coming months in September 2021 , when the Solicitors Qualifying Examination ( SQE ) will be introduced . You can find out more about this here and keep up to date with the latest information on this here .
Paralegal
A paralegal is trained and educated to provide legal assistance and to perform legal duties , however , they are not a qualified solicitor . Did you know that a paralegal is authorised to carry out the majority of activities that a solicitor does , apart from ‘ Reserved Activities ’.
Reserved activities include the exercise of a right of audience ; the conduct of litigation ; reserved instrument activities ; probate activities ; notarial activities ; and the administration of oaths .
How to become a paralegal There are no specific qualifications required to become a paralegal , however , some employers may request the following :
• A degree or HNC / HND , foundation degree in law or a related qualification
• A legal secretary certificate or diploma
• A paralegal or legal studies award , certificate , diploma or higher diploma
Barrister
A barrister is a legal professional who is responsible for providing specialist legal advice and the representation of their client . Barristers are required to defend and advocate clients , in court or during a tribunal . To do this , they might need to conduct legal research , negotiate settlements , cross examine witnesses and create documents as supporting evidence within the court .
A Barrister typically specialises in one area of law , for instance :
• Criminal law
• Property law
• Commercial law
• Company law
• Family law
• Employment law
How to become a barrister To become a barrister , you ’ ll need to either complete a qualifying law degree , with a degree classification at 2:2 or higher . Alternatively , you will need a 2:2 or higher in any other subject but will need to take a postgraduate Graduate Diploma in Law or Common Professional Examination .
Once you have completed your degree , you will then need to apply and complete a mini pupillages , which is a short work placement enabling you to gain insights into working as a barrister through shadowing . You will then need to join the