Have all lawyers been to private school and Oxbridge? No. Most firms and chambers
Is the role of lawyers essentially the same in all law firms and chambers? No. Take solicitors’ firms –
fully understand the benefits of a representative workforce, which means recruiting the best candidates regardless of background. These days, most go further by establishing their own diversity policies to ensure that they provide a welcoming and supportive environment for people whatever their gender, ethnicity, sexuality, age, socioeconomic background and so on. That said, different firms and chambers do have different personalities and it’s important to find one that suits you – a compelling reason to attend law fairs, open days and get work experience.
the work and lifestyle that you would experience in a large City firm and a small high-street practice are completely different. And it’s the same with a London- based commercial barristers’ chambers and a small regional crime chambers. It’s therefore vitally important that you find out which type and size of practice would suit you, by doing work experience and speaking to people in the profession. Only by getting first-hand experience and speaking to those in the know can you really start to get a feel for the kind of work that you think would appeal and that you would be good at.
How can my careers service help me? Your school or university careers service is a key resource. Some
How can I find out more? Pick up a copy of this year’s The LawCareers.Net Handbook or our companion publication,
advisers specialise in the legal sector and can help you to check through work placement and training contract/ pupillage applications (or speculative CVs and letters, if you’re trying to secure informal work experience). Some also have contacts at local law firms and chambers, so might even be able to help you set up some work shadowing.
The Law Apprenticeships Guide 2021 , from your careers service or order a copy online. In addition, check out LawCareers.Net for news, advice, features and interviews.
Further reading See the Oracle on LawCareers.Net for answers to a huge range of questions from students about careers in law.
13
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online