The Beginner's Guide to a Career in Law 2020

Branches of the profession

Chartered legal executives As of May 2019, there were around 20,000 trainee and practising chartered legal executives.

Solicitors As of May 2019, there were 146,046 practising solicitors. The total number of solicitors on the roll was 195,334.

Barristers As of July 2018, there were 16,598 practising barristers. Of those, 13,171 were self- employed (not including those in dual practice, registered European lawyers or second six pupils). Women make up around 37% of all practising barristers (ie, 6,158 women compared to 10,348 men). BAME individuals make up 14% of all practising barristers (ie, 2,146). Mostly self-employed, so receive irregular (but often substantial) fees. The early years can be hard. Work mainly with solicitors and other barristers. Chambers and court-based. Engage more in one-off advocacy (ie, court cases). Aspire to become Queen’s Counsel (QC) – that is, a top barrister, normally instructed in very serious and complex cases. As of 1 September 2019, all pupil barristers must be paid a minimum of £15,728 (outside London) or £18,436 (in London). Many earn much more – upwards of £50,000 in some cases.

One of the key questions to ask yourself is what type of lawyer you want to be. For many, that will mean deciding between becoming a solicitor or a barrister. For some, the option to ‘earn while you learn’ as a chartered legal executive will appeal. Simply put, a barrister appears in court, while a solicitor or chartered legal executive works in a law firm. The term ‘lawyer’ applies to all three. However, there are key differences. Some say that it comes down to whether you are an individual (barrister) or a team player (solicitor/ legal executive). But while it is true that a

barrister is almost always self-employed and a solicitor/legal executive may be in a law firm of thousands of people, in reality the situation is less black and white. Barristers are often involved in teamwork and some solicitors/legal executives spend many hours on their own in a room drafting documents. Deciding which career path would suit you best could be a challenge – factors to bear in mind include school grades, your key interests and financial circumstances. Over the page is a brief guide with some key facts, which may help you to decide.

Women make up around 48% of all practising solicitors. However, many fewer women than men are currently at partner level – an average split in private practice is 67%male partners compared to 33% female. BAME individuals make up 21% of all solicitors, as well as 20% at partner level. Mostly employed in private law firms, so receive regular monthly salary. Work mainly with individuals, companies and barristers. Office-based, although have some rights of audience. Engage more in ongoing advisory and one-to-one client work. Aspire to become partner – that is, part-ownership of firm and entitlement to a percentage of its profits. Trainee salaries vary widely. A small firm could pay £20,000. Trainees at regional firms earn around £27,000 while City firms pay much more – from £35,000 upwards.

Women make up around 74% of all CILEx members.

BAME individuals make up around 13% of all CILEx members.

Mostly employed in private law firms or in-house, so receive regular monthly salary.

Work mainly with solicitors and individuals. Office-based, although they have some of the same rights of audience as solicitors. Engage more in ongoing advisory and one-to-one client work. Should they choose to do so, legal executives can go on to become coroners, judges or partners. Starting salaries are usually £15,000 – £28,000 per year while qualifying, while qualified chartered legal executives can expect to earn £35,000 – £55,000, and can earn much higher.