Are you thinking about starting a legal career? Or maybe you’re already in the field and looking for your next move? Either way, understanding the landscape of jobs law can make a huge difference. At The Legists, we work with legal professionals and employers every day, helping the right candidates find the right roles. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the different types of legal jobs, what you need to qualify, how to stand out, and where to look for the best opportunities.
Let’s explore what a career in law really looks like—and how you can thrive in it.
Why Choose a Career in Law?
Legal careers offer more than prestige. You get the chance to solve real-world problems, protect rights, and support individuals or companies through complex issues.
Besides that, the field continues to grow. As society evolves, so do regulations, contracts, and disputes. Law stays relevant across industries—from finance and real estate to entertainment and tech.
People also choose law because it combines critical thinking, communication, and structure. If you enjoy solving problems, managing details, and debating ideas, law might fit you well.
Main Types of Jobs in Law
1. Solicitor
Solicitors advise clients, draft documents, handle negotiations, and may represent people in lower courts. Most of the time, they specialise in areas like family, criminal, commercial, or employment law.
To become a solicitor in the UK, you usually follow the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route, or—if you started earlier—the LPC path. Either way, you need both academic training and two years of qualifying work experience.
2. Barrister
Barristers represent clients in higher courts. They focus on advocacy—making legal arguments in front of judges or juries. Although barristers may give advice behind the scenes, they often step in when a case heads to court.
You need to complete the Bar Training Course (BTC) and a pupillage (a one-year training under a practising barrister) to qualify.
3. Paralegal
Paralegals assist solicitors by preparing documents, researching laws, and helping manage case files. You don’t need a specific license to become a paralegal, but most employers expect legal training or a law degree.
Paralegal roles provide excellent experience for people aiming to become solicitors later. They offer hands-on exposure to clients, cases, and practical legal work.
4. Legal Executive
Legal executives handle similar tasks to solicitors but usually focus on one area—like conveyancing or wills. You can qualify through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx). It’s a more flexible path, especially for those who work while studying.
5. Legal Counsel (In-House Lawyer)
In-house lawyers work directly for a business instead of a law firm. They give legal advice to company departments, handle risk, review contracts, and protect the company from disputes.
To work in-house, you usually qualify as a solicitor or barrister first, then move into a corporate setting. This role suits professionals who enjoy law plus business strategy.
6. Legal Tech Roles
Legal innovation has taken off. Tech-savvy lawyers now join legal startups or innovation teams in firms. They streamline document reviews, build automated workflows, and train AI systems in legal reasoning.
If you enjoy both tech and law, this emerging field offers exciting potential.
Qualifications You Need
For Solicitors and Barristers
To qualify as a solicitor, you need:
- A law degree (or a non-law degree plus GDL conversion)
- SQE1 and SQE2 exams
- Two years of qualifying work experience
For barristers, you must:
- Pass the Bar Training Course (BTC)
- Complete a one-year pupillage
For Paralegals and Legal Executives
Paralegals benefit from law degrees, legal diplomas, or relevant experience.
Legal executives study through CILEx, which allows working and learning simultaneously.
Many successful professionals take non-traditional paths, proving that passion and persistence matter as much as degrees.
Where to Find Law Jobs
Now that you know the roles, let’s find where the jobs live. Legal hiring remains active—especially in cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds. But thanks to remote and hybrid work, roles also appear in more regional and flexible setups.
Use Specialist Job Boards
- The Legists (yes, that’s us!)
- TotallyLegal
- Law Gazette Jobs
- LegalWeek Jobs
- Simply Law
These platforms target legal professionals. You’ll find curated, verified jobs across law firms, public sector employers, and private businesses.
Don’t Ignore LinkedIn
LinkedIn has become a powerful legal hiring tool. Keep your profile updated, showcase your skills, and post when you’re open to new roles. Follow firms, recruiters, and influencers in your preferred area of law.
Talk to Recruiters
Recruitment agencies like The Legists help streamline your search. We connect you with roles that match your experience, salary goals, and long-term career plans. Plus, we support you through applications, CV improvements, and interview prep.
Skills You Need to Succeed in Law
Legal knowledge gets your foot in the door, but soft skills drive your career forward. Here’s what top employers consistently seek:
- Communication: Lawyers must explain complex issues clearly to clients, courts, or colleagues.
- Analytical thinking: You’ll often break down problems into parts, weigh risks, and interpret regulations.
- Organisation: From case files to court deadlines, staying organised prevents mistakes.
- Adaptability: The legal world changes fast—whether it’s new tech, new laws, or new client needs.
- Commercial awareness: Firms want lawyers who understand how legal advice fits within a broader business or societal context.
If you focus on developing these alongside your legal training, you’ll position yourself ahead of the pack.
Salary Expectations in Law
Entry-Level
- Paralegals: £20,000–£30,000
- Trainee solicitors: £25,000–£50,000 depending on firm and location
Mid-Level
- Qualified solicitors (3–5 PQE): £40,000–£80,000
- Legal executives: £30,000–£60,000
Senior Roles
- Partners or heads of legal: £100,000+
- In-house counsel (senior): £70,000–£120,000
London salaries usually run higher, especially in corporate, tech, and finance law. However, regional firms offer great work-life balance and lower living costs.
How to Stand Out in Applications
Tailor Your CV
Don’t send a one-size-fits-all resume. Highlight relevant experience for each role. Use active verbs—”drafted,” “negotiated,” “researched”—to show action and responsibility.
Write a Focused Cover Letter
Explain why you want that job at that firm. Mention something specific about their practice area, recent cases, or values. Keep it to one page.
Prepare for Interviews
Practice talking about your experiences, skills, and reasons for joining the profession. Research the employer and prepare thoughtful questions. Show genuine curiosity—it goes a long way.
Common Questions About Jobs in Law
| Question | Answer |
| Can I become a lawyer without a law degree? | Yes. Take the SQE after completing a non-law degree plus legal training. |
| Is law still a good career? | Absolutely. While it’s competitive, law offers varied, impactful, and high-paying roles. |
| Do legal jobs allow remote work? | Increasingly, yes. Many firms now offer hybrid or remote positions, especially for document-heavy roles. |
| What’s the best way to gain experience? | Try vacation schemes, internships, volunteering at legal clinics, or working as a paralegal. |
| How long does it take to qualify as a solicitor? | Typically 5–6 years, depending on your academic path and exam timing. |
Final Thoughts
Jobs in law are diverse, rewarding, and constantly evolving. Whether you want to represent clients in court, negotiate contracts, or reshape how law firms use tech, the industry offers a place for you.
Start by exploring your ideal role. Build skills that matter. And most importantly, connect with people and platforms that help your journey—like us at The Legists.
We’re here to match your ambition with opportunity.
