A career in the law can be both challenging and rewarding. Below is an overview of the various routes to qualification and roles within the profession.
Solicitor
Solicitors give advice and assistance on matters of law. Specifically, they are the first point of contact for members of the public, companies and charities seeking legal advice and representation. Most solicitors work together in private practice, while others work in central and local government, or in-house within a business or organisation.
Barrister
Barristers offer advice on legal issues and are on the front line, representing clients in court. They receive their information and instructions through solicitors, and increasingly directly from the public. When not appearing in court, they work in chambers, drafting or preparing the cases and arguments.
Legal Executive
Legal Executives are qualified legal fee earners. They often do a similar job to that of a solicitor and are often employed within the personal injury, conveyancing and insurance departments. Fee earners who progress a career through the Institute of Legal Executives tend to work as well as study. An experienced Legal Executive can apply to be a Fellow of ILEX.
Paralegals
Paralegals are often employed by firms to assist solicitors in the departments. They are often law degree or LPC graduates. This hands-on experience working in a law firm is invaluable and may be counted as part of your training contract exempting you from the full 24 months of a training contract.
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