Are you thinking about, What Can I Do with a Law Degree? A law degree from a UK university is not only one of the most respected degrees in the UK but also globally.

A law degree in the UK can lead to many careers, both in law and otherwise. Of course, these include the usual; including working as a solicitor, barrister, or paralegal. However, It can also provide a path to careers in business, politics, journalism, and many others.

We’ve put together this blog to help you get answer to what can I do with a law degree in the UK. So, let’s go ahead and take a look at all the careers that open up for you after you have completed your degree.

Legal careers

Solicitor:

This is one of the options that comes to mind when you think, What can I do with a law degree? This is a common and great option. Solicitors provide legal advice and representation to clients in areas like family law, property, or tax.

Their job description also includes drafting documents and representing clients in various legal matters.

How to qualify as a Solicitor

After completing your law degree, there are other steps you need to take to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales.

1. Complete a law degree (LLB) or a non-law degree followed by a law conversion course.
2. Pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
3. Undertake two years of qualifying work experience (QWE).
4. Meet the character and suitability requirements set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Barrister:

So, another answer to your question, “what can I do with a law degree,” is becoming a Barrister. This is the type of lawyer who can represent clients in court. A very interesting and highly sought-after career option!

Barristers specialize in courtroom advocacy and legal argument.

How to become a Barrister

Similar to becoming a solicitor there are other steps you need to take to make sure you qualify as a Barrister.

1. Complete a law degree (LLB) or law conversion course.
2. Pass the Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT).
3. Complete the Bar Training Course (BTC).
4. Secure a pupillage (one-year training in barristers’ chambers).
5. Be called to the Bar of England and Wales.

Judge

With years of legal experience, some law graduates progress to judicial roles. After you have gained significant legal practice experience as a qualified solicitor, barrister, or chartered legal executive, you will go through a very competitive selection process.

You typically need 5-7 years of experience

Paralegal:

Support legal professionals by conducting research, managing communications, and preparing cases.

Paralegals assist solicitors and barristers by conducting legal research, drafting documents, and managing case files. Some paralegals gain enough experience to qualify as solicitors without completing a formal training contract.

Chartered legal executive:

A licensed attorney who focuses on a specific area of law, such as litigation or conveyancing

Legal executives can go on to become solicitors, law firm partners or managers, or hold judicial posts.

How to become a Chartered Legal Executive

After your law degree, here are the steps you need to take if you want to become a Chartered Legal Executive

1. Join CILEx:
2. Complete the CILEx Level 6 Diploma
3. Gain Qualifying Employment
4. Apply for Fellowship

Conveyancer

Licensed conveyancers specialize in the legal aspects of buying and selling property, known as a conveyancing transaction.

How to Become a Conveyancer

After your Law degree LLb, here are the additional steps you need to take to become a Conveyancer

1. You must complete both the Level 4 and Level 6 Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice offered by the CLC.
2. Alongside the diplomas, you need to gain 1,200 hours of supervised practical experience working in a conveyancing practice.
3. Registration with CLC, once you have completed the necessary qualifications and practical experience.

Other careers

A law degree is incredibly versatile. This means if you’re wondering “what can I do with a law degree” in the UK, there are many opportunities beyond the legal field.

To further answer the question of “What can I do with a law degree”, let’s go over some of the options available to you career-wise if you don’t want to take the traditional job route after your law degree.

1.     Business

Business is a common and often very lucrative choice after a law degree. Meaning it has the potential to be a high-paying career option. You can try different roles after your degree in law.

One option you have if you want to work in corporate is the role of a Compliance Officer. Other roles include finance or investment specialists.

2.     Law journalist

Legal journalists report on court cases, legal trends, and policy changes. They often work for newspapers, TV networks, and online media platforms.

3.     Human Rights Lawyer

If you have a desire to make a difference in the world, you might want to go towards Human Rights.

Human rights lawyers work for organizations such as Amnesty International, representing individuals facing discrimination or injustice.

4.     Law Lecturer or Professor

If you are interested in academia, you can go into teaching or research. After your LLB, you’ll need further study. After which graduates can become university lecturers or researchers.

5.     Civil Services

If you want to know, what can I do with a law degree, civil services is an amazing option. Your law degree is also very helpful if you want to go into the Civil Service. You can make use of the fast stream. Which is a quicker route into the Civil Service A law degree is highly valued in government roles, particularly in departments such as the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the Ministry of Justice, and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Conclusion

A law degree in the UK can open up many career opportunities.

We hope with this guide we have simplified the process of understanding what can I do with a law degree in the UK.

While many graduates pursue traditional legal careers as solicitors or barristers, others find rewarding roles in business, government, media, education, and beyond. As we discussed, there are many options available to you. However, you need to remember to keep your interests and strengths in mind while making your decision. If you are ultimately not interested in the path you choose after your law degree, you will not find fulfillment.

Ultimately, no matter what career path you choose,your question about, “What Can I Do with a Law Degree” will always give you a range of rewarding and diverse options.

With that being said, remember to do your research and make your decision after fully researching every route. Enrollmate is here to help you all the way!