Law, legal services and patents
The law is an attractive career field for graduates, but can be competitive. Law degrees and follow-on professional qualification routes require high academic standards in order to secure a place. But for those interested in pursuing a career in the law, there are good rewards if you enjoy challenges and are prepared to work hard.
The legal profession is divided into two professional practice areas: solicitor and barrister. There are also opportunities for law graduates who do not wish to practise, as a law degree is well regarded by non-legal employers.
Job descriptions
Law, legal services and patents careers advice
- Alternative jobs for law graduates
Not all law graduates choose to qualify as a solicitor or barrister, but there are many other careers which can make use of their degree. More... - Entry and training for barristers in Northern Ireland
The steps you must take before you are called to the Bar in Northern Ireland. More... - Entry and training for barristers in the Republic of Ireland
The steps you must take before you are called to the Bar in Ireland. More... - Entry and training for solicitors in Northern Ireland
The steps you need to take to become a solicitor in Northern Ireland. More... - Entry and training for solicitors in the Republic of Ireland
The steps you need to take to become a solicitor in the Republic of Ireland. More... - How to get a job in law, legal services and patents
Graduate careers in law, legal services and patents: getting a job, applications, working life and salaries. More... - Law: an international career
A legal qualification could give you the passport to work beyond your home country. More...
Graduate views
- Aaron James Moore, Solicitor, Cleaver Fulton Rankin
- Andrew Harding, Assistant Solicitor, William Fry
- Callaghan Kennedy, Trainee Solicitor, Maples and Calder
- Ian Quigley, Solicitor, BCM Hanby Wallace Solicitors
- Jane-Ann Rothwell, Barrister
- Kate Dineen, Trainee Solicitor, A&L Goodbody, Dublin
- Laura Kennedy, Trainee Solicitor, A&L Goodbody
- Nigel Crawford, Trainee Solicitor, Matheson Ormsby Prentice
- Phineas Hirsch, Trainee Solicitor, Slaughter & May, London
- Sarah Cronin, Trainee Solicitor, Maples and Calder, Dublin
- Trevor Lyle, Trainee Solicitor, Trainee Solicitor, Arthur Cox
Learning from leaders
Employer profiles
Further reading
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