Legal careers can be challenging but can also be very rewarding. The legal industry is constantly evolving. Therefore, you must be flexible enough to adjust to the market demands.
Whether you’re considering studying law, a law student, just starting your legal career, or a professional transitioning into the legal industry, we have some tips to help you develop a successful career. Here are some ideas to get you started.
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Conduct a Self-Assessment
Is a career in the legal industry suitable for you? Well, before you train and take up a job in the legal space, it’s essential to conduct an honest self-assessment.
First, list your preferences, strengths, and weaknesses. Then, review your experiences and certifications to determine if a career in the legal industry is suitable for you.
Additionally, you’ll need to evaluate your skills and capabilities. A career in the legal space requires particular skills, including;
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Highly organized
- Strong listening skills
- Strict adherence to deadlines
- Strong attention to details
- Techno-savvy skills
Explore the Various legal Career Options
Now that you’ve decided to pursue a career in the legal field, it’s time to choose a career path. There are various options available depending on your interests and preferences. Here are a few examples;
Lawyers
A lawyer (solicitor in the UK) is a professional qualified to provide advice on the law or represent someone in legal matters. Lawyers act directly for various clients, including individuals, businesses, and large corporations.
As a lawyer, you can specialize in different areas of your profession, including prosecution, environmental law, and defense. Everyday duties of lawyers include;
- Providing legal advice and counsel
- Researching and gathering evidence/information
- Prosecuting or defending in court
- Drawing up legal documents related to contracts, divorces, wills, and real estate transactions
- Mediating disputes
Barristers
Barristers are legal practitioners in the UK who practice advocacy in court. Although they are a type of lawyer, they specialize in advocacy. Responsibilities of barristers include;
- Understanding and interpreting law
- Drafting legal documents
- Presenting arguments in court
- Representing clients in courts
- Examining and cross-examining witnesses
- Advising clients on the law and evidence matters and the strength of the case
Paralegals
Paralegals perform delegated legal work assigned to them by lawyers. These tasks do not require the full expertise of a lawyer. Simply put, paralegals are lawyers’ right-hand persons. Their tasks include;
- Organize and present information
- Investigate case facts
- Writing reports and helping lawyers prepare for trials
- Getting formal affidavits and statements to be used as court evidence
Get relevant education
Adequate education is critical regardless of the sector you want to work in. The type and level of education you get will vary depending on your chosen career path in the legal industry. You may require an advanced degree or a professional certification to pursue a career in the legal field.
Regardless of your choice, you may need to complete almost all the following education levels;
A bachelor’s Ddegree
Law schools in the US require a bachelor’s degree as the minimum requirement for admission. No specific field of study is required for entry into a law school. So you may apply to join a law school regardless of your field of undergraduate study.
Pass the law School Admission Test
The law school admission test (LSAT) and your undergraduate degree are critical components of the law school admission process in the US. The LSAT scores are objective measures of the knowledge and quality of applicants.
The LSAT test includes five multi-choice question sections and an unscored writing sample. The test measures your skills in critical areas of future legal work, like information management, reading comprehension, reasoning, analysis and critical thinking.
Once you complete your undergraduate degree, you may choose to enroll in a law school right away or gain professional experience in other fields before enrolling in law school. But, regardless of your choice, you’ll need to attend a law school to pursue a career in the legal space.
If you’re in the US, opt for law schools accredited by the American Bar Association.
Law school admission requirements include;
- LSAT scores
- Overall GPA
- Organizational affiliations
- Community service
- Recommendation letters from legal professionals or educators
Earn a Juris Doctor Degree
The Juris Doctor (JD) is a degree recognized for practicing law in the USA. Currently, 205 ABA-accredited law schools offer JD in the US. You can complete your Juris Doctor within three years of full-time study.
While taking a Juris Doctor, you can concentrate in particular fields, including corporate law, labor law, family law, health law, intellectual property law, among others.
Pass the Bar Examination
After you graduate from an ABA-approved law school, you will be required to pass the Bar examination to be licensed to practice.
Getting into law School in the UK
The UK legal system is well-known and respected globally. The requirements for a law school admission in the UK (and many commonwealth countries) vary slightly from those of the US.
You can study for a law degree straight after high school because it’s a direct entry program. As a result, you don’t need a law school admission test (LSAT) to study law in the UK.
It will take a minimum of three years to acquire your law degree (LLB) in the UK. But if you already have an undergraduate degree, you can take a two-year law school program.
The qualifying law degree (LLB) in the UK is equivalent to a JD degree in the US.
LLB programs in the UK are formally accredited by the law society and Bar council of England and Wales.
Leverage Your Expertise
If you have a background or experience in accounting, physical sciences, engineering, nursing, or any other field, you can leverage your expertise through specialization to get into the legal industry.
For instance, if you have a background or experience in nursing, you have an opportunity to work as a legal nurse consultant.
Additionally, you may opt for a career in tax law if you have a background in accounting or CPA.
Be Tech-Savvy
Technological advancements are revolutionizing the legal industry. Therefore, you must be adept at technical applications in your area of interest.
Today’s legal marketplace requires tech-savvy lawyers, legal secretaries, paralegals, and other legal professionals.
Don’t rely on just the traditional legal skills to pursue your career. Learn about emerging trends and technologies in the legal space.
Build a Professional Network
Your network dictates your power and influence in the legal industry. Therefore, build a solid connection with other professionals in the field.
Networking not only expands your knowledge in your chosen profession but also exposes you to opportunities.
Build strong contacts with legal staffing firms, law firms, and corporate legal units. Additionally, attend local conferences and seminars and interact with professionals in your field. This way, you’ll never miss a job opening or opportunity — your network will refer you to individuals and companies seeking legal services.
Get a Mentor
If you’re just starting a career in the legal industry, you might want to work with an experienced mentor. You can learn many things from a mentor that are not taught in law school.
The right mentor will open your eyes to the inner workings of the law, introduce you to their network, and position you for faster advancement. They may also connect you with clients or direct you to new job opportunities.
Never Stop Learning
The legal industry requires an open mind that’s ready to learn new things. Whether advancing your education or acquiring professional skills related to your field, learning gives you a competitive edge in the industry and job market.
While a career in the legal industry can be demanding, find time to learn new things. You can read law books, take short courses, or learn new skills.
Additionally, being enthusiastic about learning new things motivates you and keeps things interesting.
Key Takeaways
While a career in the legal industry can be exciting and rewarding, it also comes with demands and challenges. Therefore, you must ensure you’re ready to pursue the career of your choice. Start with a self-assessment to determine if a career in the legal space is right for you. Then, get the relevant education depending on your field of interest.
Leveraging your expertise and building a solid network will give you a competitive edge in the legal space. Above all, find an experienced lawyer to hold your hand while you get started.
