Top 24 Legal Jobs
The legal industry offers a diverse range of career paths beyond the traditional roles of solicitor or barrister. Whether you’re interested in working within a law firm, in-house at a corporation, or exploring alternative career paths, there are numerous options available to law graduates.
Traditional legal careers
As the sector continues to evolve, so will the opportunities available to legal graduates. Here’s a look at some of the top legal jobs to consider.
Solicitor
Solicitors provide expert legal advice and representation to clients. They can specialise in various fields such as corporate law, family law, or criminal law. Most solicitors work in law firms, but opportunities also exist within in-house legal teams. Their day-to-day tasks include meeting with clients, conducting legal research, drafting documents, and representing clients in court.
Barrister
Barristers specialise in advocacy and litigation, representing clients in court. They provide legal opinions and work closely with solicitors on complex cases. This role requires strong public speaking and analytical skills. Barristers are self-employed and often work in chambers, where they share administrative and support staff with other barristers.
Paralegal
Paralegals support solicitors and barristers by conducting research, drafting documents, and managing case files. Paralegal jobs are ideal for those looking to gain legal experience before qualifying as a solicitor. They may also assist with client interviews, prepare for trials, and attend court hearings.
Chartered Legal Executive
Chartered Legal Executives are qualified legal professionals who specialise in a particular area of law, such as conveyancing or civil litigation. They perform similar work to solicitors but follow a different qualification route. This route allows individuals to qualify as lawyers without completing a traditional law degree.
Legal Support Worker
Legal support workers assist lawyers with administrative tasks, legal research, and document management. This role is essential for maintaining efficiency in legal proceedings. Legal support workers may also specialise in specific areas of law, such as family law or criminal law.
Arbitrator
Arbitrators resolve disputes outside of court through impartial decision-making. This career path is ideal for those interested in alternative dispute-resolution methods. Arbitrators are often chosen for their expertise in a particular area of law and their ability to remain neutral.
Academic
Law academics teach and conduct research at universities. This role is well-suited for those with a passion for legal theory and education. Law academics may also publish articles and books, present at conferences, and contribute to legal policy development.
Judge
Judges preside over legal proceedings, interpret laws, and ensure justice is served. Becoming a judge requires extensive legal experience and expertise. Judges are appointed by the government and are responsible for making impartial decisions based on the law and the evidence presented.
Licensed Conveyancer
Licensed conveyancers specialise in property law, handling legal aspects of buying and selling property. This profession is highly valued in the real estate sector. Licensed conveyancers must complete a specialised qualification and are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.
Legal Secretary
Legal Secretaries provide administrative support to lawyers, managing correspondence, scheduling meetings, and preparing legal documents. They may also assist with legal research, client billing, and case management.
Coroner
Coroners investigate unexplained deaths, determining causes through inquests. This role requires legal and medical knowledge. Coroners are independent judicial officers who are responsible for conducting investigations into deaths that are sudden, unexpected, or violent.
Company Secretary
Company Secretaries ensure businesses comply with legal and regulatory requirements, advising directors on corporate governance matters. They are responsible for maintaining company records, organising meetings, and ensuring compliance with company law.
Clerk
Clerks provide administrative and procedural support in courts, assisting judges and legal professionals. They may also be responsible for maintaining court records, scheduling hearings, and managing exhibits.
Courtroom Usher
Courtroom Ushers manage court proceedings, ensuring cases run smoothly by coordinating between legal professionals and the judiciary. They are responsible for calling witnesses, swearing in jurors, and maintaining order in the courtroom.Alternative legal careers
A law qualification can open doors to careers outside of traditional legal practice. Here are some alternative career options.
Civil Service Fast Stream
Law graduates can enter the Civil Service through the Fast Stream programme, working in policy, governance, or legal advisory roles. The Fast Stream offers a structured career path and opportunities to work on a variety of legal and policy issues.
Compliance
Compliance Officers ensure businesses adhere to legal and regulatory standards, particularly in finance, healthcare, and corporate governance. They play a crucial role in mitigating risk and maintaining ethical business practices.
Consultancy
Legal consultants provide specialised advice to businesses, helping them navigate complex legal challenges. They may work independently or as part of a consultancy firm, and their expertise can be invaluable to businesses of all sizes.
Politics
Many law graduates pursue careers in politics, leveraging their legal expertise in policymaking and governance. They may work as political advisors, researchers, or elected officials, shaping laws and policies that affect society.
Police
Law graduates can join the police force in legal advisory roles or as officers specialising in criminal investigations. Their legal knowledge can be particularly valuable in areas such as evidence gathering, interviewing suspects, and preparing court cases.
Pension Scheme Management
Pension scheme managers oversee the legal aspects of pension funds, ensuring compliance with regulations. They play a key role in protecting the financial interests of pension scheme members and ensuring the long-term sustainability of pension funds.
Legal Publishing
Legal publishing involves writing and editing legal texts, case law summaries, and legal research materials. Legal publishers play a vital role in disseminating legal information and making it accessible to legal professionals and the public.
Investment Banking
Law graduates working in investment banking focus on regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and financial law. They often work on high-profile deals and transactions, providing legal advice and support to investment banks and their clients.
Management Consultancy
Management consultants with legal backgrounds help businesses address regulatory and strategic challenges. They combine their legal expertise with business acumen to provide holistic solutions to complex business problems.Final thoughts
Although the requirements may differ from country to country, qualifying as a lawyer is a challenging journey that pays off. Whatever lawyer career path is the best fit for you, each one offers its own unique rewards and experiences.
As legislation and technology is subject to frequent updates, it’s important to stay flexible and prioritise your learning.
How to get a law degree
If you’re interested in pursuing a legal career, postgraduate law courses can help you qualify as a solicitor or barrister. BPP offers a range of postgraduate legal qualifications, including:
SQE courses
Barrister training courses
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Law careers range from traditional roles such as solicitors and barristers to alternative careers in compliance, consultancy, and politics. These roles can be found in a variety of industries, including private practice, government, and the non-profit sector.