If Not a Lawyer? Part Two

In part one, we explored several careers for those passionate about law and its study. In this part, we explore careers that are more distinct from the study of law, and yet, as a law student, you’re still able to apply learned skills and excel in your

chosen environment.

1.         Human Resources – Recruitment

Getting involved with HR means you get to be the person all applicants want to impress. Your responsibilities when working with recruitment include screening CVs and applications, conducting interviews, and coordinating with successful applicants.

·       As a law student, your knowledge of employment law will help create a breadth of understanding and expertise.

·       Getting involved with HR is often as simple as it sounds. Try to find HR internships by browsing the job market – particularly on LinkedIn. It also never hurts to email HR departments at law firms, agencies, or companies outlining your interest in working with them!

·       According to Indeed, the average salary for an entry-level recruiter is approximately £26,000 per annum.

2.         Law Enforcement

If you got into law because you loved all the movies and shows that showed excitement behind law enforcement officers or prosecutors, then this might be a great choice. With a legal background, you'll excel in an increasingly rewarding career with the ability to affect real change in the world.

·       You’re able to become a detective without prior police experience through the Direct Entry Detective Pathway (DCEP), a 2-year programme. As a law student with analytical and problem-solving skills and understanding of criminal law, you have valuable talents to apply here.

·       According to the Greater Manchester Police, your annual salary during the DCEP is £29,907. This amount is subject to annual increases.

·       For this role, you’ll need experience in certain positions, such as an investigative role, social care, or emergency services.

3.         Politics

The most common background for numerous politicians and political advisors is a law degree. You get to fulfil your dreams of affecting real change in the world and apply your learned skills of problem-solving, public speaking, and legal analysis.

·       There are numerous opportunities available if you're looking to get involved in politics, such as House of Commons placements, volunteering with political parties, NGO placements, or interning with MPs.

·       There are many career choices as well, ranging from MPs and political advisors to parliamentary researchers and the Civil Service Fast Stream, which focuses on developing policy solutions.

·       Salary expectations will depend on your chosen route.

4.         Investment Banker

Investment Bankers will help governments or corporations in raising their capital, mergers and acquisitions proceedings (wherein contract law knowledge will come in handy), and financial restructuring. It is a demanding and calculating profession, as you’ll likely liaise with a variety of lawyers and accountants in your career.

·       Your legal skills, specifically assessing compliance and negotiating, will help you succeed as an investment banker, as your duties range from drafting presentations to advising clients.

·       As you might suspect, this is a lucrative career. A graduate analyst’s salary is approximately £50,000 per annum—subject to increase with continued experience and promotions.

·       You can get involved through short insight programmes offered at financial institutions like banks or investment firms. Summer internships are typically longer and available to you from your penultimate year (get in early!)

·       From there, with sufficient work experience, look into graduate schemes or graduate analyst vacancies and you’re in!

If still none of these options suit you, you may want to consider taking the Myers & Briggs test, and whatever result you get, your knowledge of how the legal system operates will surely help!