An examination of the level of job security enjoyed by those in legal professions.
The legal profession is one of the most respected careers to enter into. However, as with many professional sectors recruitment in this field has been difficult to navigate since the credit crunch in 2008.
It used to be the case that where a graduate had completed their law degree, they were pretty much guaranteed a training contract or placement with a good firm.
However, as with many career choices, it has become more and more difficult to make headway at entry level.
A law graduate is now expected to have at least a solid upper second class honors degree and relevant experience before being considered for a training contract.
Many firms now expect a prospective candidate to show commitment to the profession by self-funding the Legal Practice Course (LPC). The LPC is an intensive post-graduate course which must be taken by qualifying law graduates wishing to enter the career.
Fees for the course are typically very high, in order to cover the expert tuition and materials required. Some firms will still sponsor their candidate through the course, but these days such funding is only really available to the exceptional law student.
Alternative entry routes must now be considered for anyone undertaking a legal career. Rather than just relying on having a strong degree, practical experience of working within a law firm or legal environment will always be an advantage.
One good route into a legal career can be working as a para-legal or legal executive. In this role, it is important to prove the skills required of a good lawyer. These include being able to critically analyze situations, being able to research effectively, dealing with case loads efficiently and presenting materials and arguments effectively.
Of course, the most gifted students may enter the career much more easily, but the experience which can be gained from working as a para-legal or legal executive can stand a trainee in better stead.
Good experience should not be undervalued, and actually may provide more of an advantage when in practice, when working with other trainees with a more limited experience.
One factor which any individual wishing to enter the legal profession must consider is that of billing and fees. In times where billing and cash collection targets are higher than ever, and clients are more and more fee conscious, commercial awareness and experience must be demonstrated by all candidates.
As well as this, there must be a willingness to win new work and an ability to develop business. Being able to empathize with clients and understand their commercial and personal concerns will be an advantage.
About the Author
Henry Flune shares his interest in Legal Careers on behalf of Pro-Legal Recruitment