lawyer

#What to do with a degree in law

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S tudying takes years of hard graft followed by at least two more years of vocational training to qualify as a solicitor or barrister. But there are plenty of other career options for law graduates who don't necessarily want to have their day in court.

They will have learned about the laws governing the constitution as well as areas such as criminal, civil, European, land and human rights law.

But the years of perusing past cases, and poring through books, will not be wasted for those who decide to pursue a different path.

They will have the skills to work in any number of other careers, from accountancy and business to journalism and education.

Famous law graduates include Bob Mortimer, who graduated from Sussex University before opting for comedy over courtroom drama.

What skills have you gained?

Your degree will have given you a thorough understanding of the law of the land, but you will also have gained excellent research skills and be able to wade through complex documents and extract the information you need. You should also have developed strong communication skills and be able to confidently state your case in court and formulate sound arguments. Other key skills include problem-solving, critical judgment and good teamwork.

What jobs can you do?

In 2009, just over 35% of law graduates found employment. Of those, 13% went straight into jobs in the legal profession. But those in other areas, including the commercial/industrial sector (just over 10%), business and finance (7%), social/welfare (4.2%) and marketing (3.7%) were also popular.

Beyond the obvious – such as solicitors, barristers, barristers' clerks and court legal advisers (also sometimes called court/magistrates clerks), legal executives, paralegals or licensed conveyancers – there are other careers where knowledge of law and the legal system would prove invaluable, says Margaret Holbrough, a careers adviser at Graduate Prospects.

Chartered secretaries are a prime example, requiring a thorough understanding of both business and company law, governance and compliance, especially in public limited companies (as company secretaries), but also in limited liability organisations, the not-for-profit and public sectors.

The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators offers a professional qualifying scheme, which also includes finance modules, for chartered secretaries in all types of organisation.

Also consider human resources management, accountancy, the patent agency, trading standards, the police service and advice work.

Working in administration or management for charities and other not-for-profit organisations, as well as local and central government, may also appeal, particularly where they have an interest in human rights or other socio-legal issues, Holbrough adds.

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Postgraduate study?

Solicitors need to do a legal practice course followed by a paid training contract with a firm, while barristers must do the Bar Professional Training Course followed by a one-year training period or pupillage. Of 2009 graduates, 38.7% undertook further study, with 11.3% combining work with study and 7.5% studying for a higher degree, providing the opportunity to specialise in subjects such as criminology, international relations, business or education.

Data supplied by the Higher Education Careers Services Unit and Graduate Prospects