Alternative Careers with Law Degree

Do you know your law degree will open a lot of doors for your career development? You can have a successful and perhaps more lucrative career without becoming a lawyer. If you have completed your LLB or PGDL without moving on to the SQE or BTC to become a solicitor or barrister, there are other professions that would value your qualifications.

Arbitrator: An arbitrator helps parties resolve disputes outside of the court system by facilitating negotiation and making binding decisions based on legal principles.

Conveyancer: A conveyancer specialises in property law and handles the legal aspects of property transactions, including preparing contracts, conducting searches, and ensuring smooth transfers of ownership.

Company secretary: A company secretary ensures that an organisation complies with legal and regulatory requirements, maintains corporate governance standards, and assists with board meetings and shareholder communications.

Detective: While not directly legal practice, a law degree can provide a solid foundation for a career in law enforcement, such as working as a detective, investigating and solving crimes by gathering evidence and applying legal knowledge in criminal investigations.

Judicial assistant: Judicial assistants work closely with judges, providing legal research, drafting judgments, and assisting with case management.

Law costs lawyer: A law costs lawyer specialises in the assessment and negotiation of legal costs, ensuring that they are reasonable and in accordance with legal principles and guidelines.

Legal cashier: A legal cashier manages the financial transactions and accounts within a law firm, handling client funds, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.

Legal clerk: A legal clerk provides administrative support to lawyers and law firms, including managing paperwork, organising files, and assisting with legal research.

Legal executive: A legal executive is a qualified legal professional who can specialise in specific areas of law and provide legal advice and representation to clients, similar to a solicitor.

Legal secretary: A legal secretary provides administrative support to lawyers, including drafting legal documents, scheduling appointments, and maintaining correspondence.

Licensed conveyancer: Similar to a conveyancer, a licensed conveyancer specialises in property law and handles property transactions, but is authorised to act independently without the supervision of a solicitor.

Mediator: A mediator assists parties in resolving disputes by facilitating communication, negotiation, and reaching mutually acceptable agreements outside of the courtroom.

Paralegal: A paralegal supports lawyers in legal research, drafting documents, client communication, and case preparation, playing a crucial role in the legal profession.

Probate practitioner: A probate practitioner specialises in managing and administering the estates of deceased individuals, including handling wills, inheritance taxes, and distribution of assets.

Researcher at Law Commission: Working at the Law Commission involves conducting legal research, analysing laws, and making recommendations for law reform to improve the legal system.

Your law degree is useful for the following roles:

Advice worker: Advice workers provide support and guidance to individuals seeking assistance with legal, financial, or social issues. A law degree equips you with legal knowledge that can be valuable in helping clients navigate their challenges effectively.

Border force officer: Border Force officers are responsible for enforcing immigration and customs regulations at borders. A law degree can provide a strong foundation in immigration law, which is relevant to this role.

Chartered accountant: A law degree can be beneficial for aspiring chartered accountants as it helps develop critical analytical skills, legal understanding of financial regulations, and knowledge of business law, which can be valuable when dealing with complex financial matters and corporate compliance.

Civil service administrator: Working in the civil service involves managing and implementing government policies and regulations. A law degree provides a solid understanding of legal frameworks, which can be applied to policy analysis, drafting legislation, and regulatory compliance.

Compliance officer: Compliance officers ensure that organisations adhere to relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies. A law degree equips you with the legal knowledge required to understand and enforce compliance standards effectively.

Data analyst/Data scientist: Data analysts and data scientists analyse and interpret large datasets to derive insights and inform decision-making. A law degree, combined with skills in data analysis, can be valuable in fields such as legal research, regulatory compliance, or data privacy.

External auditor: External auditors review financial records and statements to ensure accuracy, compliance with accounting standards, and legal requirements. A law degree can provide a comprehensive understanding of corporate law and regulations, enhancing your ability to assess legal and financial risks.

Forensic computer analyst: Forensic computer analysts investigate and gather digital evidence for legal proceedings. A law degree, combined with knowledge of computer science and digital forensics, can be valuable in this field, particularly for understanding legal procedures and privacy issues.

Human resources officer: Human resources officers handle employment-related matters, including legal compliance, employee contracts, and dispute resolution. A law degree provides a solid understanding of employment law, enabling effective management of legal issues within the workplace.

Mortgage advisor: A law degree can be advantageous for mortgage advisors as it equips you with knowledge of property law, contracts, and regulations relevant to the mortgage industry.

Police constable/Police inspector: While not strictly requiring a law degree, a legal background can be beneficial for police officers, especially in understanding criminal law, evidence, and procedures, which are essential aspects of their work.

Political risk analyst: Political risk analysts assess and analyse the potential impact of political events on businesses and investments. A law degree can provide a foundation in legal systems, regulations, and international law, enhancing your ability to assess and mitigate political risks.

Stockbroker: Stockbrokers facilitate the buying and selling of financial securities. A law degree, combined with knowledge of finance and securities law, can provide a comprehensive understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks relevant to the stock market.

Trading standards officer: Trading standards officers enforce consumer protection and trading standards regulations. A law degree equips you with knowledge of consumer law, fair trading practices, and legal enforcement mechanisms, which can be valuable in this role.

While a law degree can be useful for these careers, additional qualifications or specialised training may be required. You are advised to research specific requirements and consult relevant professional bodies to gather more information about the career path you wish to pursue.