Careers in Law
After completing the LPC, many students choose to enter into
private practice. There are however other good options
to consider, such as working as an In House Lawyer in an
organisation.
With training contracts becoming increasingly competitive, there
are also some appealing alternatives to becoming a solicitor
available within the legal profession.
Crown Prosecution Service www.cps.gov.uk/
The CPS employs solicitors and barristers as 'crown prosecutors'
who deal with criminal offences in Magistrates' and Crown
Courts. The CPS has a trainee scheme open to those who have
completed the LPC or BPTC.
Law Centres www.lawcentres.org.uk/
Law centres provide legal advice, specialising in social
welfare. There are over 60 law centres in the UK which also support
community groups on legal issues. The Citizens Advice Bureau
also offers a similar type of service.
Government Legal Services
GLS lawyers advise government on a range of legal services. The
GLS employ about 2,000 lawyers. Positions are open to both
solicitors and barristers.
Immigration Caseworkers
Caseworkers (solicitors and non-solicitors) working in this
demanding and sensitive sector who provide advice and services on
Immigration and Asylum. The Immigration and Asylum
Accreditation scheme provides training and testing and must be
undertaken by Immigration Caseworkers in order to be paid for the
work they carry out.
Local Government
An In-House lawyer working for a local authority provides a
range of legal advice on matters such as housing and the
environment. There are approximately 4,000 solicitors working for
local authorities around the UK.
In-House Lawyers in industry www.cigroup.org.uk
There are currently around 7,000 lawyers employed in commerce
and industry in the UK. A good knowledge of employment and company
law is often required. The Commerce & Industry Group have a
list of organisations that offer training contracts.
Licensed Conveyancers www.conveyancer.org.uk/
Lawyers that specialise in property law. Various exams must be
passed and a period of practical training completed, but some
exemptions are available to LLB, LPC and ILEX graduates.
Become an American Attorney www.clt.co.uk
Most law graduates are eligible to take the New York Bar course
and go onto qualify as an American Attorney. With this dual
qualification you can practise at an international law firm in the
UK or in New York (no training contract required inNew York). The
course takes around six months to complete in the UK and exams are
taken in the US.
Paralegals http://www.theiop.org/
Paralegals make a substantial contribution to the legal
profession, local authorities, and public and private sector
entities alike. Becoming a paralegal can also open doors to
getting a training contract.
Law Costs Draftsman www.alcd.org.uk
A law costs draftsman is a specialist lawyer who deals with all
aspects of client costs and ensures clients are properly charged
for their solicitor's work.
Court Clerks www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk.
Her Majesty's Courts Service employs many qualified solicitors
and barristers as court clerks (or justices' clerks). Qualified
solicitors and barristers can become court clerks.
Barristers' Clerks www.ibc.org.uk
A barrister's clerk will be responsible for the day-to-day
running of chambers. Junior clerks will perform administrative
tasks such as carrying documents to court and preparing caseloads.
More senior clerks will be involved in bringing in new business and
liaising between solicitors, barristers and clients.
Police Station Representatives www.clt.co.uk
Non-solicitor representatives who give legal advice on criminal
law to clients being detained in police stations. Those
interested should undertake the Police Station Representatives
Accreditation Scheme.