Do you have a burning passion for the law and its various intricacies? Want to make a career out of your
desire to ensure that justice is served? If so, you should give the legal profession a shot. Here are some
of the jobs you can get in the legal profession and the requirements that are needed to get these jobs.
Barristers
Barristers belong to the two types of lawyers in the split legal professions of some jurisdictions, such as
England and Wales. They are involved in specialized work that primarily consists of courtroom advocacy
wherein they speak on behalf of the clients as directed by solicitors, the other type of lawyer. Some of
the areas that barristers can specialize in are family law, criminal law, and commercial law.
Barristers rarely come into direct contact with the clients. They are only called in once expert advice
and courtroom advocacy are needed. Barristers can work for different agencies or government
organizations. They can also be self-employed.
There are three major stages that one should undergo to become a barrister. The academic stage
involves getting an undergraduate degree in any subject coupled with a conversion course or an
undergraduate degree in law. The aspiring barrister then has to undergo the vocational stage wherein
he immerses himself in studying a number of core subject areas. Once this stage is completed, pupillage
in a barristers’ chamber can commence. After a year’s pupillage, one can become a full-fledged
barrister.
Solicitors
Solicitors make up the second type of lawyer in the split legal profession. They are general practitioners
involved in the whole legal process ranging from dealing with the clients, conducting litigation on their
behalf, and appearing in court. They can hire or seek the opinion of barristers when faced with an
uncommon dilemma needing specialized advice.
Individuals aiming to become solicitors need to study the Legal Practice Course after finishing a law
degree or a “qualifying degree” combined with a conversion course. A two-year apprenticeship then
follows. Another pathway to become a solicitor, without having to attend university, is to be admitted
as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives or FILEX, getting the necessary amount of practical
experience, and completing the Legal Practice Course.
Having accomplished the educational and training qualifications, a solicitor can engage in private
practice or be employed by public or private organizations.
Legal Support Positions
Lawyers are not the only individuals involved in practicing the legal profession. With the law’s
complicated nature, countless people in different positions are needed.
Legal Secretaries
Legal secretaries are greatly needed in a lawyer’s practice, which involves intense paper works and
various clerical tasks. A legal secretary, aside from being equipped with the qualifications of a day to day
secretary, must have a strong grasp and understanding of how to prepare legal documents properly.
Some legal secretaries are even trusted with starting the preliminary research for cases.
Paralegals
Paralegals are more immersed in legal matters compared to the legal secretaries. They are entrusted
with the management of documents and research, the preparation of drafts and pleadings, and even
with meeting clients and offering them legal advice.
There is no specific educational requirement to become a paralegal. Some complete intensive online
training courses, while others get either an associate or bachelor’s degree. Although they are not fully
qualified solicitors or barristers, paralegals can eventually work themselves up to these positions.
The legal profession has innumerable opportunities to offer individuals with a thirst to practice law. Get
started on your legal career now, and begin indulging that passion.
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