A Step-by-Step Pathway into a Career in Law
By Maha M
Grades and Subjects
To pursue a career in law, your grades are crucial from the outset. Most top universities and apprenticeship programs expect strong academic performance. Aim for at least ABB to A*AA at A-level, depending on the university or program you’re targeting.
The best subjects to take are:
English (sharpens analytical and writing skills)
History (helps with argumentation and understanding precedent)
Politics (offers insight into legal systems)
Philosophy (enhances critical thinking)
Mathematics and sciences can also demonstrate strong logic and reasoning, but essay-based subjects are generally more favoured.
Best Work Experience and Programs
Work experience is key to understanding the legal environment. Here are two excellent ways to get your foot in the door:
Law Firm Placements: Even a week at a local law firm will provide insight into daily tasks like drafting documents, attending client meetings, and researching cases. Look into firms offering insight days or summer placements for students.
Virtual Work Experience: Taking part in virtual legal work experience programs (offered by law firms or platforms like Forage) allows you to gain practical insights into the legal world from the comfort of your home. These programs simulate real-life legal tasks, such as reviewing contracts, drafting legal documents, and conducting research. They help develop critical skills like attention to detail and written communication while giving you a sense of the work involved in different legal sectors. Additionally, virtual work experience demonstrates your initiative and adaptability, two qualities highly valued by employers.
A Unique Skill Employers Want: Commercial Awareness
One of the most in-demand skills for law firms is commercial awareness. This means understanding how businesses work and the wider economic, political, and social contexts in which legal cases are embedded. Being commercially aware will set you apart from others, as employers seek candidates who not only know the law but can also apply it in a business-savvy way.
The Next Step: University vs. Apprenticeships
University
Most aspiring lawyers go through university, either pursuing a Law degree (LLB) or a related subject and later converting via the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). The LLB offers a broad foundation in different areas of law and university life provides opportunities for networking, societies (like the Bar or Law Societies), and access to more extensive internships.
Pros: Depth of learning, networking opportunities, and a structured approach to becoming a solicitor or barrister.
Cons: Cost (tuition fees and living expenses) and longer time commitment (typically 3-4 years).
Apprenticeships
The Solicitor Apprenticeship pathway is becoming increasingly popular, allowing students to enter law firms straight after A-levels and work while studying towards their qualifications. You earn a salary and avoid university debt, but it’s a long-term commitment (up to 6 years).
Pros: Earn while you learn, no student debt, direct entry into the profession.
Cons: Limited flexibility if you change your mind and intense workload balancing work and study.
Both paths can lead to a career as a solicitor, though university remains the most common route for barristers.
Salary Range and Timelines
Once you’ve qualified as a solicitor or barrister, salary prospects are promising but vary depending on location and sector:
Trainee Solicitor: £20,000 to £45,000 per year, depending on the firm and location.
Qualified Solicitor: £45,000 to £150,000, with City firms offering higher pay.
Barristers: Junior barristers earn around £30,000 to £90,000, but earnings rise significantly with experience.
In high-paying sectors like corporate law, salaries can reach up to £100,000+ within 5-10 years, while those in criminal and human rights law may earn more modestly. Nevertheless, it is widely acknowledged that a career in law pays generously overall.
Exit Opportunities and Work-Life Balance
Law opens doors to other sectors, such as:
Politics: Many lawyers transition into policymaking or political roles, including positions in Parliament.
Consulting: Legal professionals often advise on strategic business decisions.
Corporate: In-house legal teams for major companies are always in demand.
Work-life balance can be challenging, especially at top firms where long hours are the norm. However, with seniority, more flexible hours or alternative career options, such as in-house roles, can offer a better balance.
Top Universities and Courses
If university is your route, here are a few options based on varying grade requirements:
Top-tier (A*AA): University of Oxford, University College London (UCL), London School of Economics (LSE)
High-tier (AAA): University of Bristol, University of Warwick, University of Exeter
Mid-tier (ABB-AAB): University of Reading, University of Kent, University of Sussex
What Does a Lawyer Do Day-to-Day?
On a typical day, a solicitor might:
Meet clients and discuss legal strategies
Research case law and draft legal documents
Negotiate settlements or contracts
Prepare for hearings
Barristers, on the other hand, spend more time in court, arguing cases or giving expert legal opinions.
Notable Employers
Top firms for aspiring lawyers include:
Magic Circle Firms: Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, Linklaters (for corporate/commercial law)
US Firms: Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (known for high salaries but demanding hours)
In-house roles: Companies like Google, Amazon, or any large corporation with internal legal teams.