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A Career as a Solicitor

The job role

Solicitors can choose to specialise in one of the many legal fields available, including Criminal Law, Litigation, Corporate Law, Probate or Conveyancing, and can work in private or commercial practice, within the Government, for the Crown Prosecution Service or as part of an in-house legal team.  On a daily basis, they will meet with clients, participate in court hearings, conduct legal research and prepare case files.

Relevant qualifications

A Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) is an internationally recognised qualification that is the most common route into the legal profession, although it is also possible to obtain a degree in another subject followed by a law conversion course, or to enter the industry through membership of the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX).  A Legal Practice Course (LPC) must be completed followed by a training contract of two years.  There is also the option to study for a Master of Laws degree (LLM).

Skills requirements

Solicitors must be prepared to work long and often unsociable hours and to travel extensively in order to meet with clients and attend court.  They must be proficient in the analysis of in-depth legal information and be able to articulately communicate opinions and arguments.  Possibly the most important skill is the ability to interact and develop positive relationships with clients from all walks of life.  Depending on which legal field has been chosen, the clients may often be distressed and emotional so it is important to be able to keep a level head even in the most difficult circumstances.

Career development

Solicitors can be found working in both large and small firms located across the UK although the leading practices, such as Linklaters, Clifford Chance and Allen & Overy LLP, tend to be London based.  With further professional qualifications, it is possible to become an Advocate or Barrister while other Solicitors may opt to work in the legal department of a major company.

The Law Society runs an accreditation scheme to facilitate the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of its members and also offers a range of training and support services to legal professionals.

The law is a fiercely competitive sector and there are normally very many applications received for sought-after vacancies and training contracts.  So the better your grades and the more experience you can obtain in the industry, the better your chances will be.