What draws people into the legal profession?

One of the most popular genres of TV and film revolves around the legal sphere, so it is no surprise that many people want to be a lawyer. In 2021 – 2022, almost 20,000 graduates from university completed a law degree.

But what exactly draws people into the legal profession?

Why do people want to be in the legal sphere?

The legal world has a certain draw to it for a number of different reasons.

• Career options – there are many different roles within legal services, not just lawyers and solicitors. You could train to be a paralegal, consultant or even a mediator. There is also nothing stopping you from being a paralegal first and then studying to be a lawyer whilst working.
• Pay ­– There is no denying that being a lawyer can be a lucrative career, but it does depend on where in the country you practice and which area you specialise in. For example, London legal eagles earn more on average than those in the north. If you specialise in corporate law, you are likely to earn more than your peers in family law.
• Intellectual challenge – Some jobs do fall into a monotonous routine, but anything surrounding law is unlikely to do that. No two days are the same and each case will test your skills and help you see the law differently.
• Lifelong career – People will always need lawyers, solicitors and paralegals so you can be confident that your industry will survive whatever the economic climate. People will always need to be able to claim for compensation, for example.

What requirements does the legal profession require?

The path to becoming a lawyer starts in secondary school. Whilst there are no specific A Levels that will get you into law school, getting three high grades will ensure you get into a top-ranking university.

Typically, an undergraduate law degree takes either 3 or 4 years in the UK, but you could opt to complete a foundation course in law to prepare you for university.

After you have completed a law degree, you must undertake the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The SQE has replaced the Legal Practical Course and aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Once you have passed this, you will spend 2 years at a law firm where you will begin to specialise in an area of law. You will also study the Professional Skills Course which will be provided by your place of work.

Why is it vital to nurture talent?

In any industry nurturing talent is a great way of making sure your employees stay within their chosen sector. Not only does this mean there will be an abundance of lawyers, solicitors and paralegals poised to help, but it also allows firms to grow and diversify.

By keeping talent in-house, you will attract more junior employees and keep the applications for any vacancies competitive. This means you will attract more experienced lawyers as well as be able to nurture the inexperienced ones you have.