Introduction to the legal profession

Who are we? 1 2 3 4 We specialise in teaching law Offer undergraduate law degrees 3 Courses for people who want to qualify as a solicitor or a barrister 4 Taught by qualified & experienced lawyers

What’s interesting about Law? It’s everywhere around us every day – and not always in the most obvious places…

Benefits of becoming a lawyer? It's intellectually challenging Your work will be varied and interesting You can help people/businesses and make a difference There's a range of career options International travel Your earning potential can be very high! Your work might even make the news 4

5 Solicitor v Barrister Salaried More support & security Greater conformity More involvement with clients Defined career path Competition strong Self-employed A willingness to take risks Greater independence Less close to clients Competition fierce 5

Some facts about solicitors Currently over 150,000 on roll (England & Wales)… ……up 2.3% since 2014 80,000 solicitors in private practice 11,000 work “in-house” for commercial orgs 4,000 work in local government 2,300 solicitors work for the CPS Most employment in Litigation, Property, and Commercial Law Training Contracts: 40% in London 60% elsewhere Currently 5000+ TCs available: a 9% increase since 2014

Some facts about barristers Currently 15,000 in practice (static since 2011) 80% are self- employed and work in chambers… …the rest are in industry, commerce or government 34.9% of pupil barristers got a 1st class degree 54.5% of pupil barristers got a 2:1 degree 1 in 5 who complete the BPTC gain a pupillage

Ability to organise and prioritise Self-motivation and initiative What skills do you need to succeed as a lawyer? Ability to organise and prioritise Attention to detail Commercial awareness Communication Interpersonal skills Problem solving Research and analysis Self-motivation and initiative Team work

Routes to practice + or Qualifying Law Degree Solicitor Legal Practice Course Training Contract 2 years Admission as a solicitor or Non-Law degree + Barrister Bar Professional Training Couse Call to the Bar Pupillage 2x6 months Graduate Diploma in Law

Both these routes allow you to earn and learn. Alternative routes into Law Legal Apprenticeships – these are developing all the time. There’s a set learning structure and legal apprenticeships are government funded. Post A Level or equivalent. Chartered Institute of Legal Executive (CILEX) Apprenticeships – post-16. CILEX usually takes about five years to complete and you will become a Legal Executive. Both these routes allow you to earn and learn.

Law isn’t just for future lawyers 60% of Law graduates use their transferable skills to go into other areas… Accountancy and finance Business Journalism Teaching Publishing Community work And more Law is a fantastic foundation for a whole range of careers.

Next Steps

13 What can I do now? Aim for good grades in all your exams Participate in extra-curricular activities Take on positions of responsibility Gain commercial awareness Work experience Read quality media articles Attend law taster and open days 13

How can you engage with us? Come to one of our open days Join Future Lawyers our 10 step employability programme Connect with us online