Finding a job in law

Finding a job as a trainee solicitor

You will need to apply for a training contract which will comprise two years qualifying work experience in a company.  If you secure a training contract before you undertake your professional training (LPC/SQE), the employer may pay for it.  Many training contracts are typically offered 18 months in advance.  The earliest you can apply is in the summer of your second year if you are a law graduate.

Look for training contracts at: 

• Lawcareers.net
• Chambers Student
• Which firms will fund my PGDL, SQE prep or LPC study?

Finding a job as a trainee barrister

Explore Pupillages at the Lawyer Portal. Information will be available at the Pupillage Gateway, and most applications will be through this route.  Applications can be made through the Pupillage Gateway, but can also be made direct to chambers.  Chambers typically advertise 18 months in advance.

After completing all training components you'll be ready to apply for tenancy as a self-employed barrister in chambers or go into practice as an employed barrister.

Find out more about becoming a barrister

Finding a job as a paralegal or CILEx lawyer

Trainee CILEX job opportunities may be called trainee legal executive, or, more commonly trainees will start in the role of paralegal. Paralegal job opportunities are advertised widely through general websites such as Indeed and LinkedIn. Legal recruitment agencies, such as Flex Legal, will also advertise opportunities. For those with less experience, starting as a legal assistant may be easier. Good administrative skills will be helpful for these roles.

Find out more about being a paralegal

Becoming a Chartered Secretary

Company secretaries have a broad skill set – corporate law, finance, governance, strategy and corporate secretarial practice – and they advise a company's board in these key areas, providing support to the Chair, CEO and non-executive directors. The Chartered Governance Institute provides useful information on routes into a career in corporate governance, and their professional qualifications.  The University of Portsmouth offers the accredited LLM Corporate Governance and Law. 

Find more information on routes into the career