Law is one of the most prestigious career choices a person can make. Many parents dream that their children will develop sufficiently to be able to pursue a career in law or medicine; these are still two of the most respected and well-paid career options available.
A career in law is both intellectually challenging and personally fulfilling. It is also almost always financially rewarding.
How to get started in law
The first step is to obtain a law degree. Although there are many jobs within the legal profession that do not require a degree in law, it will be much harder to progress beyond administrative work without a law degree.
For those who already have a degree in another subject, there are some options available. Becoming a solicitor is an option open to graduates who hold a Common Professional Examination or Graduate Diploma in a law course. Make sure that any courses taken are recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
However, taking a law degree is certainly the most straightforward option.
Law careers
A career in law can be very diverse, and it is certainly not restricted to case work and courtrooms; there is a lot more to law than what is shown in Hollywood movies.
Barristers
One of the most popular career options is to become a barrister. Barristers represent individuals or companies in court and provide independent sources of legal advice. They generally work for individuals, either on the defence team or prosecution.
The best barristers specialise in a specific area of law. These can include chancery law (estates and trusts), criminal law, entertainment law, commercial law, sports law and common law. Common law covers family issues, personal injury and housing.
Barristers can work for the Crown Prosecution Service, charities and private law firms or as self-employed specialists. Being self-employed may be the most financially rewarding option, although it may also be more stressful to take this route.
Solicitor
Solicitors provide expert legal support to their clients. This can involve recommended court action, which is when barristers are required.
A solicitor may work for individuals or companies and may specialise in dealing with personal issues, conveyancing (buying and selling homes), commercial work and protecting individual rights.
Trademark attorney
A trademark attorney is a very specialist area of law that deals with the protection of trademarks. Trademarks may be a combination of words, a logo or a company name. Work can include researching new trademarks, supporting and processing trademark applications and taking action against a business or person that infringes on a trademark. Violations of trademarks can result in multi-million pound settlements.
People in law
Law attracts a wide range of people. In recent years, several people have become well-known lawyers, such as Cherie Blair, a barrister who runs her own international law firm, Omnia Strategy.
Amal Alamuddin, who is a well-respected specialist in international law, criminal law, human rights and extradition, more recently became famous for marrying George Clooney.
A more down-to-earth example of a lawyer in practice is that of Desmond Cheyne. He works for Westwater Advocates and is best known for his family law expertise in high value cases.
To work in law, it is best to be a people focused individual, as the work will almost entirely involve working closely with others and helping people. Although there is an element of investigative work, a large part will involve talking to people and explaining oneself.