Are you a natural problem-solver with strong communication skills and the ability to never give up? Then why not consider how your knowledge and life experience could help you succeed as a Lawyer?
What do Laywers do?
The term “Lawyer” is basically an umbrella term for professional individuals who provide legal support, advice, and representation for clients across various areas of law such as employment, family, or environmental law.
Terms underneath this umbrella most commonly include Barristers, who provide very specific legal advice and represent clients in court, or Solicitors, who are the first point of contact for getting general help and advice on matters of law.
The law affects us all at points in our lives – from getting a divorce and sticking to the enforced speed limits, to ensuring you know your rights at work – and there are times when we may need to turn to a Lawyer to understand, challenge, or defend ourselves.
On a day-to-day basis, Lawyers will typically:
- Assess the strength of a client’s case, gathering and analysing information that could support legal actions.
- Negotiate with clients on how the legal matter should be handled and what a realistic outcome could be.
- Give legal advice and information to clients.
- Calculate claims.
- Carry out in-depth research into case law.
- Prepare paperwork for court.
- Come up with strategies and arguments to be used in court.
- Attend court hearings.
- Present cases to judges.
- Negotiate settlements.
The importance of what a Lawyer does cannot be overlooked as they have the lives of others in their hands. The outcome of a legal decision can change people’s lives forever and the support, advice, and assistance provided by a Lawyer can be key to the outcome.
It’s extremely satisfying for Lawyers when they play a part in handing someone their life back e.g. by helping them win custody of a child or walk free from a crime they didn’t commit.
If you are over 50, the are chances are you’ll have gained a lot of valuable life experience that’ll have helped you develop sound judgement and empathy towards others – these skills are extremely valuable to a law career.
What skills do I need to become a Lawyer?
The right person will:
- Have the desire to keep learning throughout their career. Laws are constantly changing and each case will be different from the next, so you’ll have to learn how to apply the relevant laws to the individual case you’re dealing with.
- Display strong problem-solving skills as you’ll have some complicated legal situations to unpick.
- Have the confidence to stand up in court and fight your client’s case until the end.
- Understand the impact that you’re legal advice, assistance, and representation could have on people’s lives.
- Have excellent research skills.
- Be a confident communicator as you’ll be dealing with a range of clients and families, and may also have to address the judge in court and question witnesses and suspects.
- Have analytical skills.
- Be able to show perseverance, even when the outcome of a case isn’t looking promising.
- Have great judgement.
What will I love about being a Lawyer?
- The instant job satisfaction you’ll gain from knowing you’re making a difference in people’s lives and that justice will be done.
- The chance to keep learning new skills and acquiring fresh knowledge.
- The variety, as each legal case will be different.
- The option to work in the public or private sector.
What are the challenges of being a Lawyer?
- Accepting that some clients may listen to your advice but not take it – but as long as you always act in the best interest of the client, you can rest assured that you’ve done your job well.
- The complexity of the law when trying to apply it to cases that have many grey areas – but for those who enjoy problem-solving, this will be more of a positive challenge.
- Outcomes in court can sometimes be disappointing, but part of the job is learning that you can only do the best you can based on the information you have – after that, it’s out of your hands.
How much will I earn as a Lawyer?
Lawyers typically earn around £54,000 during their first five years of practice, rising to £76,000 for those who’ve been in the job for five to ten years and £100,000 for those who practice for ten to fifteen years.
Are there opportunities to progress?
Opportunities to progress as a Lawyer are normally linked to how many years of experience you’ve spent in practice. Lawyers may become Senior or Partner at a law firm.
How do I get started?
There are several routes you can take to become a Lawyer but, in general, you’ll need to have a degree. If you have a degree in a non-law subject (even if you achieved it many years ago), you can still take a one-year Graduate Diploma Law (GDL) or law conversion course, which is the first step towards training to become a fully qualified Barrister or Solicitor.
This course will give you all the basic law principles and knowledge you need to progress your law career. There are usually a number of funding options available for GDL courses, so it’s best to check out your options with your school of choice before enrolling.
Those who do have an undergraduate degree in law (again, even if it was years ago) or who have already completed the GDL can go straight into Solicitor or Barrister training.
To become a Barrister, you’ll need to complete the Professional Training Course (BPTC) and undertake pupillage, which is a one year paid apprenticeship (and the last part of your law training).
If you would rather be a Solicitor, you’ll need to pass a Legal Practice Course (LPC) and then secure a training contract with a law firm.
As with the GDL, there are a number of funding options available to help you gain these qualifications; it’s always best to check with your school of choice.
If you’re undecided about whether to retrain as a Lawyer but you have an interest in law, why not take a job as a Legal Secretary instead? They help with the smooth running of law firms and you don’t need a degree to apply.
Once you’re in the job, however, there are opportunities to study law qualifications that will make you more valuable to your employer and develop your skills and understanding of the legal world further.