Top Tips for aspiring lawyers
1. Explore your options - solicitor or barrister
A lot of people don’t know the difference, but we are here to help!
Solicitor: a professional who provides legal support and services to clients. Clients can range from private individuals to large companies or even public sector groups. To be a solicitor you will need to complete a training contract after your studies.
Barrister: a person who represents such individuals, companies and groups within a court setting. Most are self-employed, though there is a growing sector of employed barristers. To become a barrister you will need to complete a pupillage after your studies.
2. Choose a law degree or a non-law degree
A degree is three years, so our number one piece of advice - pick whichever you will enjoy more! Three years is a long time, and you want to be studying a subject you genuinely like. To be a solicitor you will do a qualifying law degree (LLB) or non-law degree followed by the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The SQE is replaying the GDL or LPC. To be a barrister you will do a qualifying law degree (LLB) or non-law degree followed by the Bar Course.
3. Get experience
Before university, getting experience can be hard. Why not go and sit in the public gallery of a court? Anyone over the age of 16 can do so in England and Wales. This is one of the best things about our law course - we offer a load of experience from mock trials in real courts, to meetings with real solicitors and barristers, to public speaking opportunuties. By the time you have completed a Focused Future law course your CV is teeming with experience. This puts you in a very strong position before even setting foot in a university!
4. Develop relevant skills
Analytical thinking: Lawyers must be able to analyse complex legal issues, identify key legal principles, and apply them to specific cases.
Negotiation: Lawyers often engage in negotiations to settle cases or reach agreements. Negotiation skills are essential for finding mutually acceptable solutions.
Time management: The legal profession involves managing multiple cases and deadlines simultaneously, so strong time management skills are critical.
5. Be savvy with your studies
Working hard for your A Levels or university degree are a big part of the process. It can show commitment and determination. Consistency is key with studies, little and often goes a long way.
6. Business skills are important too
As an aspiring solicitor or barrister, it’s good to realise firms and chambers are businesses. They want to know people they invest in understand the real world. Having an understanding of business skills can really make you stand out at an interview stage.
7. Make contacts
Mentors - finding a mentor to guide you through the crazy world that is the law can be so important. Think of them as a sounding board you go to for advice. Remember, they were students too at one stage, trying to figure it all out. Remember - if they are in your world as a mentor just stick to asking them about advice. For example, asking them about work experience can be seen as too much. They are human too with busy schedules etc!
Friends - friends you make on your journey into the legal field can be friends for life. Be kind to people, you never know what they’re going through. These people will help you through your best and hardest times!
Networking - For a lot of people, this word can bring a sense of dread. It doesn’t have to, though! It can be a great opportunity to learn from people and their experiences. It can be scary to go to a networking event but just remember everyone in that room would have felt that way at some stage. You’ve got this.
8. Prioritise your well-being
Working towards a career in law can be incredibly rewarding. It can also be incredibly tough. Learning early on how to maintain a sense of well-being will be essential.
What activities do you do that genuinely bring you joy? It might be reading, gaming, playing a sport. Whatever it is - keep it up. By giving yourself time to enjoy those parts of your life, you are giving yourself permission to take a breather. That way, when you do return to your studies you will be better than ever.