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If you're interested in a potential future career as a lawyer, but don't know where to start, The Beginner's Guide to a Career in Law is for you.

BEFORE YOU READ THE GUIDE, SIGN UP TO

THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO A CAREER IN

If you decide that a career as a lawyer is for you, there are a few things you should be doing even before you start university. Here's a brief checklist to get you started: Your 'first steps' checklist:

Talk to your careers adviser at school to go through your options.

Research the different paths into law - university, chartered legal executive, paralegal, apprenticeship (read The Law Apprenticeships Guide ) - and decide which is right for you. Get some practical work experience at a law firm, barristers' chambers or legal advice centre; it'll help you to decide what suits you best and will also improve any applications you make later.

Work hard at your academic studies. Good grades are important.

Think about the kinds of extracurricular activities you can do, or have done, to make yourself into a well-rounded candidate. Think sport, volunteering, drama, music... Sign up to LCN Weekly on LawCareers.Net. Our free weekly email newsletter delivers news and information about the profession, plus advice and calendar reminders, straight to your inbox.

Read the business pages of newspapers to improve your commercial awareness and get you starting to 'think business'.

Welcome

If you're interested in a potential future career as a lawyer, but don't know where to start, The Beginner's Guide to a Career in Law is for you. In this guide you'll find information about what a job in law involves, the differences between the three main types of lawyer (solicitors, barristers and chartered legal executives), and the courses and training you need to complete to qualify. There are also some key questions to consider and information about the next steps for those who want to find out more. The Beginner's Guide is brought to you by LawCareers.Net (LCN), the number one resource for those interested in joining the legal profession. On our website you'll find information on employers; interviews with law firm recruiters, trainees, associates and partners; blogs, podcasts and videos from people at different stages of their legal careers; information on law courses (undergraduate and postgraduate); and a searchable database of law courses, training contract, vacation scheme and pupillage vacancies.

Welcome to the first stage of your legal career!

Scan this QR code to register for a free LawCareers.Net account

1

What lawyers do Lawyers perform an important role, as law covers every aspect of society - from the age you can take your driving test to the speed you can drive when you pass; from the minimum wage you can earn in a job to the quality of the water you drink.

work together in law firms, while others work in central or local government, in companies' legal departments (in-house) or in alternative business structures - a type of business that provides the same services as a law firm, but is controlled by non-lawyers (eg, the Co-operative Group). Solicitors' jobs differ depending on the area of law they work in (eg, crime or family) and whether their work is advisory (eg, helping one company buy another) or involves legal disputes (eg, one company suing another). All solicitors' jobs involve some or all of the following: * meeting clients, finding out their needs and establishing how to help; * researching relevant areas of law and advising clients of their options; * drafting letters, contracts and other legal documents; and * acting on behalf of clients in negotiations and representing them at tribunals or in court. Being a solicitor is a demanding but rewarding job. Many solicitors in law firms work their way up from trainee to associate to partner.

The first thing to know is that traditionally, the legal profession is divided into two main branches - solicitors and barristers. However, these aren't the only types of lawyer. There are also chartered legal executives, paralegals, apprentices and more - find out more in 'Apprenticeships' on page 6 and 'Paralegals' on page 7, and in the companion to this booklet, The Law Apprenticeships Guide , which is available free at schools and online at www.lawcareers.net. For now, here's an introduction to what solicitors and barristers do. Solicitors Solicitors provide advice and guide clients through legal issues. They're the first point of contact for people and organisations seeking legal advice and representation. Most solicitors

Practice area snapshot Below is just a small selection of the vast array of practice areas out there:

Corporate/ commercial

Crime

Employment

Family

Criminal lawyers advise and represent clients in court on criminal charges that can range from minor motoring offences to more serious crimes including murder. Barristers may be called on to act for either the defence or the prosecution.

Employment solicitors can work on disputes that end up in employment tribunals or in the High Court, helping to draft employment contracts, advising on working hours,

Commercial and corporate solicitors advise on complex transactions and act for businesses of all sizes, from international corporations to small start- ups. General company law might involve advising on company directors' rights and responsibilities, board meetings and shareholders' rights. Corporate work often concerns M&A, demergers, joint ventures and share issues.

Family lawyers deal with all legal matters relating to marriage, separation, divorce, cohabitation and legal issues relating to children. Family law also encompasses financial negotiations, inheritance issues and pre and post-nuptial/civil partnership agreements.

handling discrimination, staff restructuring and

whistleblowing issues. Your client could be the employer or employee. As a barrister, you'll appear on behalf of your client in either a tribunal or court, often in different parts of the country.

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Barristers Barristers represent clients in court and advise on specialist legal issues. They receive cases through solicitors and are self-employed. When not in court, they work in chambers (offices shared by groups of barristers) where they prepare arguments and advice. Again, barristers work in many different areas of law. Key elements of the job include: * advising clients on the law and the strength of their case; * writing advice letters and legal opinions for clients; * representing clients in court, including presenting the case and cross-examining * witnesses; and * negotiating settlements (when a legal dispute is resolved privately outside of court). Once qualified, a barrister is known formally as a 'junior'. They remain a junior until they're made a King's Counsel (KC) - this is also known as 'taking silk'. A KC is a senior barrister with extensive experience who's seen as having outstanding ability. Most barristers never become KCs.

Areas of law There are hundreds of different types of law. At the simplest level, you can divide lawyers between those doing commercial work (ie, work for companies) and those involved with individual people. You could be a banking lawyer checking over a major loan by a bank to a corporation, or a personal injury lawyer advising someone who was injured at work. Day-to-day working life varies hugely between practice areas - an immigration lawyer's job will differ greatly from an intellectual property (IP) solicitor's. See the 'Practice area snapshot' below for more detail.

Further reading Solicitors www.lawcareers.net/solicitors Barristers www.lawcareers.net/barristers

Chartered legal executives and paralegals are also lawyers who work in law firms, but the route to these jobs doesn't always require a university degree. Find out more about paralegals, legal executives and apprenticeships later in this guide.

Human rights

Intellectual property

Private client

Public law

Public law concerns relationships between people and government. This might mean challenging the level of care provided to a disabled person by a local authority, or on a larger scale, advising the government on national infrastructure development, such as a new energy or transport project.

This practice area is incredibly wide-ranging and includes immigration and asylum cases, privacy cases affecting celebrities and international law issues. Clients may range from low-income refugees and prisoners through to large news organisations and government departments.

This involves protecting intellectual ideas (eg, new inventions, brands and music) from exploitation, usually through copyright, trademarks and patents. The work of IP lawyers includes commercial exploitation cases, infringement disputes, and agreements covering IP rights, either exclusively

Private client lawyers advise on all aspects of an individual client's financial affairs, including capital gains tax, inheritance tax planning, setting up lifetime trusts and preparing wills. Private

client lawyers also handle a range of charity work.

or as part of larger commercial deals.

3

Branches of the profession

One of the key questions to ask yourself is what type of lawyer you want to be. For many, that'll mean deciding between becoming a solicitor (private practice or in-house) or a barrister. For others, 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. All three are 'lawyers'. However, there are key differences. The stereotype is that barristers are individualists while solicitors and legal executives are team players. But while it's true that a barrister is almost always self-employed and a solicitor/legal executive

may be in a law firm or business of thousands of people, the reality is more complicated. Barristers often work with each other and with solicitors, and some solicitors/legal executives spend many hours on their own drafting documents. Deciding which career path would suit you best could be a challenge - factors to bear in mind include your school grades, key interests and career aspirations. Over the page is a brief guide with some key facts that may help you to decide which branch is best suited to you, including the number of practising lawyers and an overview of some of the profession's diversity stats and salaries.

For more information on diversity in the legal profession, visit LawCareers.Net's Diversity hub, sponsored by Gowling WLG (UK) LLP.

Further reading Solicitors www.lawcareers.net/solicitors Barristers www.lawcareers.net/barristers

The 'CILEX' section on www.lawcareers.net

4

Chartered legal executives

Solicitors As of June 2023, there were 161,623 practising solicitors.

Barristers

In 2022, there were 17,538 practising barristers. Of those, 13,926 were self-employed.

As of December 2022, there were around 18,000 trainees and practising chartered legal executives. CILEX reports that 73% of its members attended non- selective state-run or state- funded schools.

Just over 60% of solicitors attended a state school with 20% attending selective state schools.

In 2022, 33.5% of barristers attended an independent (private) school in the UK, compared to just 7% of the wider British population.

People from ethnic minority backgrounds make up 16.3% of all practising barristers (ie, 2,641).

People from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds make up 18% of all solicitors, and 17% at partner level.

People from ethnic minority backgrounds make up around 16% of all CILEX members.

Mostly self-employed, so receive irregular (but often substantial) fees.

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

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

Work mainly with solicitors and other barristers.

Work mainly with individuals, companies and barristers.

Work mainly with solicitors and individuals.

Office-based, although have some rights of audience (ie, can appear in court like barristers). Engage more in ongoing advisory and one-to- one client work.

Chambers and court-based. Engage more in one-off advocacy (ie, court cases).

Office-based, although have some of the same rights of audience as solicitors. Engage more in ongoing advisory and one-to-one client work.

Some solicitors 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 first-year trainees around £22,000. Trainees at regional firms earn around £27,000 while City firms pay from £35,000 to as much as £65,000 for second- year trainees.

Aspire to become KC - a top barrister, normally instructed in serious and complex cases.

Should they choose to do so, legal executives can go on to become coroners, judges or partners. Starting salaries are usually between £15,000 and £28,000 per year while qualifying, while qualified chartered legal executives can expect to earn between £35,000 and £55,000, and can earn much higher.

As of 1 January 2023, all pupil barristers must be

paid a minimum of £18,884 (outside London) or £20,703 (in London). Many earn much more - upwards of £50,000 in some cases.

5

Apprenticeships

You don't have to go to university for a career in the legal profession - legal apprenticeships enable you to gain qualifications while in paid work, through on-the-job training at a law firm or other employer. Legal apprentices can become solicitors, chartered legal executives or paralegals without the tuition fees and accommodation costs associated with university. Some apprenticeships take 18 months to complete, but the more advanced levels provide training across five or six years - around the same time it'd take to qualify via the university route. You'll start paying a student loan back when you're earning at least £25,000 (depending on when you started university), so although high fees are a factor to consider, they shouldn't necessarily put you off university. However, university isn't for everyone and a legal apprenticeship is a genuine - and free - alternative. This section is a basic introduction to legal apprenticeships. To learn more, read The Law Apprenticeships Guide for everything you need to know about the different legal apprenticeships. Pick up a free copy from your school or read it online at LawCareers.Net. Am I eligible? To become a legal apprentice, you must be 16 or over, not in full-time education and a UK citizen/someone who has right of residency in the UK. Most legal apprenticeships require five GCSEs (or equivalent) graded 9 to 4 (A* to C), including maths and English. The paralegal apprenticeship requires at least two A levels, while the solicitor apprenticeship requires three A levels, with grade requirements varying between employers from CCC to AAB. The graduate solicitor apprenticeship, a new route to qualifying, is aimed at candidates with a qualifying law degree (or equivalent) and non-law graduates who've completed a law conversion course. Earn and learn The minimum wage for apprentices under the age of 19 is £5.28 an hour (as of 1 April 2023), as well as for people aged over 19 in their first year of an apprenticeship. All apprentices over the age of 19 are paid at least the national minimum wage for

their age group. There are four levels of legal apprenticeship.

Intermediate, legal administration or business administration apprenticeship Intermediate apprenticeships are aimed at school leavers who don't have A levels. Apprentices develop the skills to manage legal cases on an administrative level. Paralegal apprenticeship The paralegal apprenticeship trains apprentices in the skills needed to work in a certain area of law (eg, personal injury). Paralegals support solicitors on legal matters and do many of the same tasks. Find out more about paralegals on the next page. Chartered legal executive apprenticeship This programme trains apprentices to qualify as chartered legal executives, a type of lawyer that's similar to a solicitor. Candidates don't usually start this apprenticeship straight after leaving school - it's recommended to complete another qualification first, such as a paralegal apprenticeship. Solicitor apprenticeship This apprenticeship is a six-year programme that integrates studying for a law degree with on-the- job training at a law firm or other organisation, ending in qualification as a solicitor via the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). Other ways of

qualifying as a lawyer via apprenticeships include the graduate solicitor apprenticeship (open to graduates) and in-house apprenticeships. Those

qualifying via these routes will complete the SQE as part of their apprenticeship.

Further reading

The Law Apprenticeships Guide

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Paralegals

Paralegals work in law firms but aren't qualified as solicitors or chartered legal executives. Although paralegals used to be seen purely as support staff, the role of a paralegal has moved beyond just assisting solicitors. Paralegals are a distinct group of legal professionals, although this kind of role is often used as a steppingstone to becoming a solicitor or chartered legal executive. Some paralegal roles are similar to those of solicitors. This means you can apply to qualify as a solicitor while working as a paralegal, provided you can satisfy the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) that you've gained the same knowledge and skills in your role as you would've through a training contract. This is called the 'equivalent means' route to qualifying - a route that'll remain valid until 2032 for those who started their law degree or the Legal Practice Course (LPC) before September 2021. The first paralegals qualified as solicitors this way in 2015, but this route will eventually be replaced by the SQE. Candidates can now build up two years' qualifying work experience (QWE) and qualify via the SQE whether they've taken the traditional or paralegal route or completed an apprenticeship. Find out more about the SQE and the different routes to becoming a lawyer on page 8.

Another common reason many graduates work as paralegals is because it's a good way to gain the crucial legal work experience needed to secure a training contract. Some paralegals get the experience and then apply for a training contract at the same firm, while others move on from firms where this isn't an option and go on to apply successfully elsewhere. However, a note of caution: paralegals perform many of the same tasks as solicitors, but are generally not paid as much and there isn't the same clear career progression that solicitors can pursue. Stay mindful of your future prospects if this is something that's important to you. Further reading The 'Paralegal' section on www.lawcareers.net - find it in the hover menu under the Solicitors tab .

What do I need to know about the SQE?

The SQE came into force in September 2021 and will replace the LPC as the route to qualifying as a solicitor. To qualify via the SQE, you must: * have a university degree (law or non-law) or equivalent (eg, an apprenticeship); * pass the SRA's character and suitability assessment;

* pass SQE1 and SQE2; and * have two years' QWE.

You can visit LawCareers.Net's SQE hub, sponsored by The University of Law, to find out more about the SQE and to stay up to date with how law firms are adopting the SQE.

7

Career paths

START HERE

GCSE

Intermediate apprenticeship

A level (or equivalent)

Non-law degree

Law degree

Paralegal apprenticeship

Solicitor apprenticeship (incl. SQE)

Law conversion

SQE prep

Various CILEX routes

Bar course

SQE assessments

Graduate apprenticeship (incl. SQE)

Pupillage

QWE (eg,training contract)

Chartered legal executive

Solicitor

Barrister

Paralegal

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The following describes the various stages along the path to formal legal qualifications:

Intermediate legal and paralegal apprenticeships

SQE preparation courses It isn't mandatory to complete an SQE preparation course before taking the SQE, but it's advised. There are a range of SQE preparation courses for law and non-law graduates, differing in length, price and content. You can search SQE preparation courses via LCN's course search tool. Pupillage Pupillage is a compulsory, year-long period of on-the-job training before qualification as a barrister. QWE QWE (which can take place in the form of a two-year training contract or an apprenticeship) is a period of paid training before qualification as a solicitor. QWE can be completed in up to four separate placements taking place before, during and after SQE study. That said, many law firms prefer to train their future lawyers themselves. Barrister

GCSE The foundation of your career and the essential first step. A level Universities and employers will likely look at your A-level grades. A-level law isn't a requirement to becoming a lawyer. Non-law degree Lawyers don't have to study law at university. A non-law degree can be followed by a law conversion course or non- law specific SQE preparation. Law degree The qualifying law degree, or LLB, covers seven compulsory subjects: public, criminal, contract, tort, property, equity and trusts, and EU law. Law conversion A law conversion course packs the key learning of a law degree into one year (if studying full time). Following the introduction of the SQE, a law conversion isn't required to become a solicitor. Bar course The mandatory stage of training to become a barrister that follows your law degree or law conversion course. There are a range of options at different law schools, serving different learning styles and budgets. LPC The LPC is being replaced by the SQE. SQE The SQE is the assessment you must pass to qualify as a solicitor. To qualify through the SQE, you'll need a university degree (law or non-law), to pass SQE1 and SQE2 exams, pass the SRA's character and suitability assessment and have completed two years' QWE.

A legal apprentice starts their career straight from school. You receive paid on-the-job training in legal and commercial skills, and professional conduct. For more on the different types of apprenticeship, see page 6 and read The Law Apprenticeships Guide . Solicitor apprenticeship The solicitor apprenticeship is a six-year programme of paid training, integrating a law degree, which ends in qualification as a solicitor. The entry requirements are usually five GCSEs graded 9 to 4 and three A levels (grade requirements vary), or equivalent work experience. Solicitor apprentices must pass the SQE to qualify. Graduate solicitor apprenticeship The graduate solicitor apprenticeship is a new addition to the growing ways to qualify as a solicitor. It's designed for candidates with a qualifying law degree (or equivalent qualification) and non-law graduates who've completed a conversion course, and can take between two to three years to complete. It works in a similar way to the traditional training contract and involves on-the- job training and preparation for the SQE assessments. Paralegals Paralegals have traditionally worked as support staff, but in practice many experienced paralegals do the same work as solicitors. Paralegal roles provide a good route into the profession for students and graduates, either as valuable work experience before applying for a training contract or as a way to gain QWE as part of the SQE.

Barristers offer advice on specific legal issues and represent clients in court. Solicitor Solicitors give advice and

assistance on matters of law; they're the first point of contact for those seeking legal advice and representation. CILEX chartered legal executive A chartered legal executive is a qualified lawyer (although not a solicitor) who's trained to specialise as an expert in a particular area of law. The CILEX Professional Qualification provides three outcomes: CILEX Paralegal, CILEX Advanced Paralegal and CILEX Lawyer.

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Key questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about a career in the law.

What's commercial awareness?

Why should I choose law over other professions? Don't pursue a legal career for the sake of it or because you've

Law firms want their lawyers to be 'commercially aware',

but what does this mean? In essence, lawyers deal with more than just the law. They must understand their clients' business/personal circumstances and the market/environment in which they operate. Commercially aware lawyers are proactive in spotting and suggesting solutions to potential problems for the client. As a student, you're not expected to be an expert - commercial awareness at this level isn't the same as for an experienced lawyer. Firms are looking for a combination of basic knowledge, common sense, interest and enthusiasm for commercial matters, and, most importantly, the ability and willingness to 'think business'.

heard that it pays well; you must have a passion to be a lawyer to succeed. Do you find law interesting? Is there a particular area of law that's already caught your attention? Are you the kind of person who'd thrive in a legal environment? The best way to really find out whether law is for you is by doing some work experience.

What skills and strengths do you need to be a good lawyer? Several core skills are needed to

be a good lawyer - many of them you can hone through your academic studies and work experience. The strengths that legal recruiters look for include: * intellectual ability;

How important are grades at A level and university? Law is an intellectually rigorous career, which is why some firms

* motivation; * resilience; * accuracy/attention to detail;

and chambers require excellent academics. It's therefore important that you get the best grades you possibly can. That said, many firms are adopting contextual recruitment to look beyond grades to assess academic potential and identify candidates they may otherwise miss.

* teamwork; * leadership; * problem solving; * commercial awareness; and * communication skills. If you have the majority of these, law could be a good choice for you!

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Should I go to university or try one of the new routes, such as an apprenticeship? Some lawyers begin their careers immediately after leaving

Why are vacation schemes so important? Getting work experience at law firms is often an essential aspect

of securing a training contract. Work placements/vacation schemes (usually run during university holidays) provide an opportunity for you to find out about not only the law, but also individual firms. Many firms rely on vacation schemes to figure out which candidates they want to take on as trainees, so getting on a scheme is a great chance to impress and secure a place on a firm's training contract.

school by taking the apprenticeship route, which enables an aspiring lawyer to learn 'on the job' in a paid role, with time each week allocated for study. Solicitor apprenticeships also allow those with A levels to qualify as a solicitor without going to university, while there are other kinds of apprenticeships for candidates at different stages, including paralegal, chartered legal executive and graduate solicitor apprenticeships. See the 'Apprenticeships' section on page 6 for more detail and The Law Apprenticeships Guide .

Do law firms prefer candidates to have a law degree? Most firms are looking to recruit a

balance of law and non-law graduates - in fact, roughly half of all solicitors are from non-law backgrounds. Studying another subject at university may also help to make you a more well-rounded individual. So, if you have a burning desire to study English literature but think you might want a career as a lawyer, it's fine to do English at university and complete a law conversion. The postgraduate course squeezes the essential elements of a qualifying law degree into one year. While a law conversion isn't a requirement for non-law graduates taking the SQE, it's still recommended and most firms will continue to require their non-law future trainees to take one prior to starting SQE prep and a training contract. There are several new non-law specific SQE preparation courses that've been developed. You can then complete further SQE preparation before sitting SQE1 and SQE2. For aspiring barristers, after taking the law conversion, you'll join the law graduates on the Bar course, followed by a pupillage in a set of chambers. But note: traditional academic subjects (eg, history or sciences) are favoured over more modern options (eg, media studies or drama).

How do I go about getting legal work experience? As above, vacation schemes are a great way to learn more about

the profession, with many firms now running schemes specifically for first years. You can see a comprehensive list of opportunities on LawCareers.Net's vacation scheme deadlines page. But you're not restricted to these structured programmes - you could get a day or two shadowing a trainee or lawyer simply by writing speculatively to firms/chambers you're interested in or which are local to you. You should also get involved with university pro bono schemes or legal advice centres. All these experiences provide a valuable introduction to the types of work and client relationships that lawyers are involved with every day. Plus, with the introduction of the SQE, if the experience meets the QWE requirements it can count towards the two years' experience needed to qualify.

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What do I need to know about the postgraduate law courses? In brief, this is the compulsory vocational stage that must be completed before you start either the training contract/QWE (solicitor) or pupillage (barrister). The LPC and Bar course are usually one-year courses, but each can be done over two years, part time or by distance learning. Many providers around the country offer the courses. Several providers have revealed details about their SQE preparation courses, designed to get candidates ready to take and pass the SQE1 and SQE2 assessments. These vary depending on the provider.

How much longer will it take to qualify if I choose a non- law undergraduate degree? It only takes one year longer to

qualify if you choose a degree other than law (if studying full time). After graduating, you'll need to complete a law conversion that covers the key parts of a law degree, before progressing onto the SQE or Bar course.

Are postgraduate law courses expensive? Do I have to pay for them myself? The total cost of qualifying

as a solicitor or barrister shouldn't be underestimated. Over and above the £9,250 per year you're likely to pay for your undergraduate degree, you'll have to pay up to £19,500, £11,550 or £18,350 (plus living costs) for, respectively, the LPC, SQE and Bar course in 2023/24. And unlike undergraduate and master's degrees, postgraduate loans are unavailable for the LPC, SQE and Bar course (unless they include a master's on top of the core qualification). SQE prep courses with an LLM can cost around £16,950. If you're not doing an LLM, it's best to have a training contract or pupillage lined up before embarking on any of the courses - many large firms/chambers offer sponsorship (usually covering course fees and maintenance grant) to their future trainees/pupils. Bank loans are usually the preferred option for those who self-fund. In addition, the cost of taking the SQE can be broken down into two parts, with SQE1 costing £1,798 and SQE2 costing £2,766 from September 2023. For more detailed funding advice, look at the 'Finances' section on LawCareers.Net.

What's the SQE? The SRA introduced the SQE in 2021 to replace the LPC as the assessments that all solicitors

must pass to qualify. It's designed to ensure that all qualified solicitors are of the same high standard, regardless of the route (eg, university or apprenticeship) they take to get there. Unlike the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and LPC, the SQE isn't a course but a series of exams divided into two stages. As above, universities and law schools have released details about their new courses to prepare students for the SQE. Anyone who started a law degree, GDL or LPC before September 2021 can continue to qualify through the old system. Check LawCareers.Net's dedicated SQE hub, sponsored by The University of Law, for the latest information.

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Have all lawyers been to private school and Oxford or Cambridge? No. Most firms and chambers fully understand the benefits of a representative

Is the role of lawyers essentially the same in all law firms and chambers? No. Take solicitors' firms - the

work and lifestyle that you'd 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 important to 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 get a feel for the kind of work you think would appeal and you'd be good at.

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, disability and socioeconomic background, for example. That said, different firms and chambers 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.

How can I find out more? Visit LawCareers.Net for news, advice, features and interviews with those on the ground, and

How can my careers service help me? Your school or university careers service is a key resource. Some

pick up a copy of this year's The Law Apprenticeships Guide from your careers service for more information on the apprenticeship route. You can also read the guide online via LawCareers.Net. Attend both virtual and in-person law fairs. These are a great place to speak to recruiters and current trainees/pupils.

advisers specialise in the legal sector and can help you to check through vacation scheme 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 be able to help you set up some work shadowing. Further reading See The Oracle on LawCareers.Net for answers to a huge range of questions from students about careers in law (www.lawcareers.net/explore/oracle) and use LawCareers.Net's hub pages to boost your understanding of the profession and chances of success in applications. Here's a list of our hub pages: * Application hub * Apprenticeships hub, sponsored by Mayer Brown International LLP

* Barristers hub * Beginner's hub, sponsored by The University of Law * Commercial awareness hub, sponsored by Mayer Brown * Diversity hub, sponsored by Gowling WLG (UK) LLP * First-year hub * Non-law hub, sponsored by Shoosmiths * Solicitors hub * SQE hub, sponsored by The University of Law

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Reality check

There are a few things worth mentioning as a reminder that starting a legal career is competitive and expensive. So, without wanting to detract from the exciting and challenging career on offer, here follows some food for thought...

Finances With up to £9,250 per year undergrad fees, plus postgrad study in 2023/2024 costing up

Academics There's real competition for training contracts and pupillages. You must get strong grades

to £19,500 for the LPC, up to £18,350 for the Bar course, and the new SQE assessments costing £4,564 from September 2023 (excluding the fees for preparation courses), the road to qualification isn't cheap. In addition, some firms at the smaller end of the market may pay trainees no more than the national minimum wage. Your ability to afford the courses and a potentially low starting wage must be a factor in deciding whether to pursue law as a career. That said, there are options to complete the new SQE for around £10,000 in total depending on the SQE preparation course provider. However, prices for the SQE1 and SQE2 preparation courses vary, with the more extensive SQE preparation courses closer to the cost of the LPC.

from your first year of university onwards. Your A-level grades are also important, even though some firms have recently dropped A-level requirements for training contract applications. Many firms are adopting contextual recruitment to look beyond A-level grades to assess academic potential and identify candidates they may otherwise miss.

Online Make sure you set up a LinkedIn profile to connect with employers and other contacts and start to build

up the 'professional' side of your social media presence. Legal Twitter is a great place to learn about the profession and begin building your knowledge, and you can even gain legal careers information through Instagram and TikTok!

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Time You must spend time researching firms/chambers you like; planning

Experience You need a combination of work experience (this can include legal and non- legal experiences) and

how to get work experience; and filling out, refining, checking (and having someone else check) your applications. In every case, start early, have a schedule and be strict with yourself. Last-minute, rushed efforts are almost worse than no effort at all.

extracurricular activities to become the all-rounder that employers want to hire. One without the other isn't enough; having both strings to your bow will help you to demonstrate that you have the skills the employer is looking for.

Diversity Great strides are being made by diversity and social mobility initiatives to level the playing field

Competition The numbers are stacked against you - there are fewer training contract and pupillage places than

and improve equal representation at all levels of the legal profession. Organisations such as upReach and the InterLaw Diversity Forum work for free with students to provide advice on CVs, application forms and interview practice, while also working with employers to provide work experience opportunities and improve openness. Increasing diversity in the legal profession is also one of the main aims of the SQE (see page 12 for more). However, there's no getting away from the fact that the legal profession is historically overwhelmingly white, male and privately educated, and more needs to be done to address the imbalance. Head to LawCareers.Net's Diversity hub, sponsored by Gowling WLG (UK) LLP, for information and updates on what's going on in the industry.

there are people with the necessary qualifications. You must find a way to stand out among thousands angling for the same job, so make sure you shine through by being resourceful, authentic, determined and committed to the profession and a career in law.

Commercial Awareness

The legal world is part of the business world. If you have ambitions to work

for a commercial law firm, it's essential to develop a good understanding of the issues and events affecting businesses. Read our weekly commercial news round-up, as well as the Financial Times and The Economist from time to time, and try to appreciate the appropriate legal issues thrown up by your studies from a commercial perspective.

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LawCareers.Net The law is an incredibly competitive profession and it's never too early to start trying to boost your chances of success. One of the best ways to do that is to visit LawCareers.Net to begin your research. It's your one-stop shop for all things law-related.

On LawCareers.Net you'll find:

A range of videos and podcast episodes

A directory of over 1,000 law firms, barristers' chambers and legal educators

Insights into firms' vacation schemes

Features providing information and advice about pursuing a legal career

Blog posts from law students

Profiles of lawyers and recruiters

Personalised careers advice via The Oracle

The latest legal news

Tips to boost your commercial awareness

Individual Practice Area Profiles, featuring solicitors and barristers

Make sure to sign up to MyLCN on LawCareers.Net to manage your legal career. You'll also receive the LCN Weekly email newsletter, which is packed full of useful information and insights into the profession.

Scan this QR code to register for a free LawCareers.Net account

Find us on:

Twitter

LinkedIn

TikTok

Instagram

YouTube

The LawCareers.Net Podcast

If you'd like more copies of The Beginner's Guide to a Career in Law 2024 or its companion publication, The Law Apprenticeships Guide 2024 , please contact info@lawcareers.net.

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Keep up with the business sections on newspapers' websites and LawCareers.Net's weekly commercial news round-up to improve your commercial awareness, but also read the more specific legal press - a couple of the more reputable broadsheet newspapers also have great law sections. Work with your university careers adviser on your application and interview technique and start to think about where you might like to apply for a vacation scheme/mini-pupillage next year. Sign up to LCN Weekly on LawCareers.Net. Our free weekly email newsletter delivers news and information about the profession, plus advice and reminders throughout the legal recruitment calendar, straight to your inbox. Get some practical work experience at a law firm, barristers' chambers, or legal advice centre - this could count towards your QWE if you want to qualify as a solicitor. Explore the range of diversity organisations that help future lawyers. Go to law fairs, firm presentations and open days to meet people face to face. Think about how to stand out by asking good questions (eg, about a recent deal, case or merger). Your first-year university checklist: You're at university (law or non-law) and want to know what you should be doing. Here's a brief checklist to get you started:

Continue to work hard at your academic studies - yes, your first-year grades count in law firm applications.

Join your university's student law society. They'll support you with events, presentations, information sessions and more. Plus, you can meet other students in the same position as you. Engage with some of the extracurricular options at university (eg, sport, debating, mooting or music) to make yourself into a well-rounded candidate.

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The Beginner's Guide to a Career in Law 2024

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If you're deciding whether to go to university after leaving school or to start your career as a lawyer straight away with an apprenticeship, The Law Apprenticeships Guide 2024 can help.

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Five key things to know about a legal apprenticeship

You don't need a university degree: you can progress straight from your GCSEs or A levels to your apprenticeship.

You earn while you learn: you receive a salary while working as an apprentice, at the same time as studying.

You can find apprenticeship opportunities on LawCareers.Net: there's a comprehensive and searchable jobs board of current vacancies in the Apprenticeships hub under 'View hubs' in the menu.

You can work in a law firm, private company or local government: many different organisations employ legal apprentices.

You can qualify as a solicitor (private practice and in-house), legal executive or paralegal: a range of apprenticeship options allow you to become different types of lawyer.

Find out more in the rest of the guide.

Welcome

Scan this QR code to register for a free LawCareers.Net account

How do I decide whether a law apprenticeship is for me? This guide helps you to:

If you're deciding whether to go to university after leaving school or start your career as a lawyer straight away with an apprenticeship, The Law Apprenticeships Guide can help. Don't worry if you don't know much about the legal profession or apprenticeships - this guide is designed to give you the information you need before you choose your next step. What's a law apprenticeship? A law apprenticeship combines paid work and training at a law firm with part-time study. It's an alternative path to going to university that offers the same career destinations but avoids the expensive fees. There are now new graduate solicitor apprenticeships on offer for law graduates or non-law graduates who've completed a conversion course.

* compare university and apprenticeship paths so you can understand what each offers; * learn about the different types of apprenticeship and where they lead; * find out more about what it's like to work as a legal apprentice; * check that you have the key skills needed for a law apprenticeship; and * find out about current vacancies using the LawCareers.Net legal apprenticeships jobs board.

Where can I find out more? Head to the Apprenticeships hub on

www.lawcareers.net - you'll find a jobs board where new apprenticeship vacancies are frequently posted, plus detailed information on apprenticeships and every other possible career path offered by the UK legal profession.

Legal apprenticeships enable young people to get onto a fulfilling and rewarding career path without the cost of going to university. Our apprentices are valued members of the firm, applying what they learn to real, practical work as they increase in confidence, responsibility and independence on the path to becoming fully qualified lawyers. Grace Ambrose, graduate recruitment and development manager, Mayer Brown International LLP

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Apprenticeship v university

University is the right path for some people because it offers the chance to study an interesting subject in detail and gain a valuable degree that opens career options. University can also be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, filled with opportunities for getting involved in new activities and meeting life-long friends. On the other hand, an apprenticeship offers a more direct path to those same career options, without the costs of going to university or the same intense competition for places. Apprenticeships are also perfect for people who aren't keen on full-time study after finishing their A levels and want to kickstart their careers. It's important to remember that in the legal profession, you can have the same

career whether you choose university or an apprenticeship, which means that your choice isn't so much about where you end up, but how you get there - some apprenticeships even involve gaining a university degree. Law apprenticeships lead to three possible careers - solicitor, legal executive or paralegal. All three are also available if you choose to go to university. Find out more about what being a solicitor, legal executive or paralegal involves on pages 4 and 5 in 'Career paths'. Meanwhile, this table explains some of the key differences between an apprenticeship and going to university.

Qualifications Apprenticeship

University

Professional qualifications to become a solicitor, legal executive or paralegal. Completing the solicitor apprenticeship also involves gaining a law degree. Apprentices must complete the new Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) assessments to qualify as a solicitor.

A university degree in one of hundreds of subjects that's widely recognised. For law, a degree in any subject makes you eligible for the postgraduate professional courses you must complete to become a soliciter, barrister, legal executive or paralegal.

Cost Apprenticeship

University

None to the apprentice - the costs of apprenticeships are covered by the

With tuition fees standing at more than £9,000 a year and living costs on top of that, many students leave university in tens of thousands of pounds' worth of debt.

government and employers, while apprentices themselves are paid at least the apprentices' national minimum wage during their apprenticeship.

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Duration Apprenticeship

University

Eighteen to 24 months for the intermediate apprenticeship, 24 months for the paralegal apprenticeship and six years for the solicitor apprenticeship. It takes four years on average to qualify as a legal executive.

Undergraduate degrees usually last three to four years.

Work experience Apprenticeship

University

Full-time work in a law firm or the legal department of a company or other organisation.

Optional work placements and internships - students interested in law should apply for work experience at law firms.

Social life Apprenticeship

University

As an apprentice working and studying full time, you may miss out on social opportunities that come with going to university, such as the chance to meet new friends among students from all over the world and enjoy all the experiences that university offers. However, offices often have great socialising opportunities too, with plenty of activities to get involved in, and you're bound to make good friends.

The opportunities for socialising at university are fantastic. From societies covering everything from political debating to cheerleading, to the thriving music, arts and social scenes at most universities, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Career prospects Apprenticeship

University

Both law apprentices and university graduates can pursue a career as a solicitor, legal executive or paralegal.

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Apprenticeship career paths

START HERE

A level (or equivalent)

GCSE

Non-law degree

Law degree

Intermediate apprenticeship

Paralegal apprenticeship

Law conversion

Paralegal

Solicitor apprenticeship (incl. SQE)

Graduate apprenticeship (incl. SQE)

Chartered legal executive apprenticeship

SQE assessments

Solicitor

Legal executive

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GCSE The foundation and first step of your legal career.

Graduate solicitor apprenticeship The graduate solicitor apprenticeship is a new addition to the growing ways to qualify as a solicitor. It's designed for candidates with a qualifying law degree (or equivalent qualification) or non-law graduates who've completed a conversion course, and can take between two to three years to complete. It works in a similar way to the traditional training contract with on-the-job training and SQE preparation. Graduate solicitor apprentices must pass the SQE assessments to qualify. Paralegal Paralegals have traditionally worked alongside solicitors in law firms as support staff, but in practice many paralegals do the same work as trainees or newly-qualified solicitors - although almost always for lower pay. Whether you become a paralegal through an apprenticeship or secure a paralegal job after graduating from university, you can qualify as a solicitor, legal executive or a more senior paralegal role. CILEX chartered legal executive A legal executive is another type of lawyer who's trained to specialise as an expert in one area of law. Within that specialism, the job of a legal executive is similar to that of a solicitor - they advise clients, draft documents and conduct research to find solutions. Solicitor Solicitors provide advice and assistance on legal matters. They're the first point of contact for people and organisations seeking legal advice and representation. Solicitors may work in different areas of law, but the fundamentals of the job are largely the same. These include advising clients on legal problems, doing legal research to find solutions, drafting important documents, such as contracts or wills, and occasionally representing clients at tribunals or in court.

A level The academic stage between GCSE and

university or the beginning of a paralegal/solicitor apprenticeship. Universities and employers will likely look at your A-level grades.

Intermediate apprenticeship The intermediate apprenticeship is aimed at school leavers who haven't done A levels. Entry requirements are five GCSEs (including English and maths) graded 9 to 4 (A to C) or equivalent. Apprentices develop skills to assist in the progression of cases on an administrative level. It's usually a 15 to 21-month course. Paralegal apprenticeship The paralegal apprenticeship (sometimes known as the advanced apprenticeship) delivers paralegal training in a particular legal practice area. Entry requirements are five GCSEs graded 9 to 4 (including English and maths) and three A levels graded C or above (or equivalent). It's usually a 24 to 30-month course and can lead to qualification as a solicitor via a solicitor apprenticeship. It's also possible to qualify as a chartered legal executive. Solicitor apprenticeship The solicitor apprenticeship is a six-year programme of paid, on-the-job training ending in qualification as a solicitor. The entry requirements are five GCSEs graded 9 to 4 (including English and maths) and three A levels (minimum grades vary among employers from CCC to AAB) or equivalent work experience. The apprenticeship integrates a law degree, obtained at the end of the fourth year. Apprentices learn law and legal practice alongside gaining competence in legal and commercial skills, and professional conduct. All solicitor apprentices are required to pass the SQE. The apprenticeships include preparation and training for the assessments.

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Meet the apprentice

Cyril Lekgetho (he/him) Mayer Brown International LLP

Cyril Lekgetho is a first-year solicitor apprentice at Mayer Brown. He's currently studying in the employment (global legal projects) department.

Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?

The prospect of having six years of sector-specific experience prior to qualifying as a solicitor was a big draw for me. It presented an opportunity to make industry connections and grow a professional network, work alongside the brightest minds in the profession on complex matters and earn a wage from an early age.

What's a typical day at work like?

In my current seat, there's a lot of communication between international offices and clients and, on many occasions, I've been tasked with contacting overseas offices to: * request information * share documents; and * make business proposals. Drafting is also a large aspect of my day-to-day work; I've helped draft client guides, articles, letters of advice, emails and even scripts, to name a few. Of course, all the above must be proofread, which is also a necessary task. Both internal and external meetings and training sessions take place regularly to aid professional development and expose apprentices to distinct aspects of practice (eg, pro bono sessions).

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How have you found juggling work with your study days?

Effective time management is an important skill when it comes to juggling work with studying; however, I've found that the allocated time for studying, and the study leave that's granted in advance of an exam, has been sufficient and allowed me to apply myself fully to both work and study. That said, personal effective time management is incredibly important.

Will you be qualifying via the Solicitors Qualifying Exam?

Yes, I'll commence the SQE in my final year of the apprenticeship.

What's the most enjoyable aspect of being an apprentice?

As previously mentioned, working alongside talented minds in the profession and learning from them directly and via osmosis has been very fulfilling. I've also enjoyed being exposed to different sides of the business that a trainee solicitor wouldn't typically get to see, like the business services departments where apprentices spend the first year of the scheme.

What advice would you give to anyone considering an apprenticeship?

The solicitor apprenticeship is a six-year commitment, as such I'd advise in favour of researching the legal profession fully to determine whether it's the right path for you - this can be done virtually and in person by attending insight days and seminars/webinars, completing internships, and simply reaching out to existing apprentices to hear their experiences.

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Meet the apprentice

Esther Farley Mayer Brown International LLP

Esther Farley is a fourth-year solicitor apprentice at Mayer Brown. She's currently in the intellectual property team.

Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?

By the time I finished sixth form, I was unsure whether I wanted to continue with full-time education and didn't like the idea of accumulating student debt at university. So I took a year out to consider my options and got a job in a local estate agent, where I really enjoyed working in an office and earning a wage. I then applied to various legal apprenticeships around the country and was eventually offered my place with Mayer Brown.

What's a typical day at work like?

When I'm in the office, I arrive at work at around 9:15am and start working on my tasks for the day. This can be anything from drafting documents, legal research, reviewing legislation to client correspondence and meetings, or observing hearings or mediations. I'll often meet with trainee solicitors at lunch or go for a walk before returning for the afternoon. The kind of work I do varies widely depending on the department I'm sitting in and the matters they're working on at the time. As apprentices move around the firm every six months, it's very interesting to see so many different practice areas and experience new fields of law. There are also lots of opportunities to get involved with pro bono work, which allows me to take on more responsibility than my normal client work, and other diversity and inclusion initiatives within the firm.

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How have you found juggling work with your study days?

As apprentices, we have one day a week to study and attend university. This day typically involves preparation work, followed by an online lecture, and then some consolidation work to solidify the material we've covered. We also have termly coursework to demonstrate the work we do each day and what we're learning at the firm. The lead up to exams or coursework deadlines can be challenging as we might have to use more of our own time to revise and prepare. Generally, though, it's manageable to balance work with study and Mayer Brown puts apprentices in business services departments for their first year to give them time to find this balance.

What's the most enjoyable aspect of being an apprentice?

For me, the most enjoyable part of my apprenticeship is learning practically how to be a lawyer from some of the best individuals in their fields. When my peers left university with their law degrees, they often didn't have much legal work experience and struggled to get jobs in law as a result. I, on the other hand, work full time in a global law firm with direct client contact, increasing responsibilities and the opportunity to observe colleagues daily who are professional role models.

What advice would you give to anyone considering an apprenticeship?

My advice would be to spend some time researching firms that offer apprenticeships and visiting them to find offices where you feel the working environment and culture will allow you to be successful. There are many firms with different cultures, values and sizes, but they won't all suit everybody, so it's invaluable that you do your research. Similarly, work experience is useful to discover which kinds of legal work you find interesting and areas that you might not have thought about getting involved in, as well as building your CV and transferable skills ahead of applying for apprenticeships.

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Key questions

Below are some frequently asked questions about legal apprenticeships.

How do I know if law is the right career for me? At this early stage, it can be hard to be sure, but ask yourself

Haven't all lawyers been to private schools and Oxbridge? No. Most firms understand that

some key questions as a starting point. Do you find legal issues interesting? Are you intrigued by the ways in which the law is part of everyday life? Is there an area (eg, crime, the environment or human rights) that's caught your attention? Are you the kind of person who'd thrive in a fast-paced legal environment? The best way to find out whether law is for you is by talking to lawyers and doing some quality work experience in the profession. What skills and strengths do you need to be a good lawyer? Several important skills are needed to be a good lawyer. Many of them are developed during your academic studies, while others become apparent in your working life - the advantage of developing them as an apprentice is that you'll be doing both simultaneously. The attributes that most recruiters look for include: intellectual ability; motivation; accuracy; teamwork; leadership; commercial awareness (ie, an interest in the business world); and communication skills. If you have the majority of these, law could be a good option for you!

the best workforces are representative of the whole community. Most employers have their own diversity policies to ensure that they provide a welcoming and supportive environment for people whatever their gender, ethnicity, sexuality, age or socioeconomic background, for example. In fact, legal apprentice schemes are one of the ways that firms are trying to attract and recruit a more diverse group of employees. Who can become an apprentice? Many legal apprenticeships are aimed at students who want to move into a vocation after completing their GCSEs or A levels. Most legal apprentices have recently finished secondary education, but apprenticeships are also open to mature candidates (eg, those who've had a previous career) and graduates (ie, graduate solicitor apprenticeships).

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Do I have to study A-level law to be an apprentice? In short, no. People do much better in subjects that they're

What do I need to know about my first day at work? Your first day in any job can be intimidating but don't worry -

interested in, so pursue A levels (and GCSEs) you think you'll enjoy. A levels are about studying subjects you find interesting and developing key skills - specialist legal training comes later. Also, very few universities list A-level law as a requirement, even for those wanting to start a law degree, so it's not essential. In fact, you can become a lawyer without ever completing a law degree by choosing a non-law degree and then completing a law conversion course. Achieving good grades is important, whichever subjects you choose. Go for subjects that you enjoy and do well in to give yourself the best chance of passing with flying colours. It's much better to get As and Bs in three subjects than to get Bs and Cs in four, so don't give yourself too much to do.

most firms have comprehensive induction programmes for new joiners. You may also find yourself starting on the same day as other apprentices, so there are likely to be others in the same boat. Some firms will give you a trainee buddy or mentor to help you adjust. Be yourself, ask questions, show enthusiasm and pretty soon you'll feel right at home. One note on dress code: lawyers are business people and their clients expect them to look the part. While some firms are more relaxed than others, your best bet is to arrive looking well presented. That doesn't mean spending a fortune on tailor-made outfits, but it does mean arriving on your first day dressed smartly and ready to do the job.

Should I go to my careers service? Your school careers service is a brilliant resource that you should use. They can help you

with application and interview techniques, suggest places to look for information, and even help you to secure informal work experience or shadowing with a law firm.

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Key questions

Where can I find details of apprenticeship vacancies and how do I apply? There's more information out there about legal apprenticeships than ever before. Individual

What if I might prefer the traditional route? If you're undecided between an apprenticeship and other routes into the legal profession

such as applying for a university place, read The Beginner's Guide to a Career in Law - the companion guide to this one. The Beginner's Guide is your first stop for information about the university route to becoming a solicitor, barrister, legal executive or paralegal. LawCareers.Net is also a great place for information about this career path.

firms/organisations will advertise on their own websites and elsewhere, including on LawCareers.Net (www.lawcareers.net). LCN has a regularly updated apprenticeship jobs board, so it's worth checking frequently for new vacancies, especially at the end of the school year. The site also has more general information about apprenticeships on our Apprenticeships hub which you can access via 'View hubs' in the menu. Other valuable resources include the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (www.cilex.org.uk/study/apprenticeships) and the government's apprenticeship page (www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship).

On LawCareers.Net you'll find:

A directory of over 1,000 law firms, barristers' chambers and legal educators

A range of videos and podcast episodes

Blog posts from law students

Features providing information and advice about pursuing a legal career

Personalised careers advice via The Oracle

Profiles of lawyers and recruiters

Tips and articles to boost your commercial awareness

The latest legal news

Find us on:

If you'd like more copies of The Law Apprenticeships Guide 2024 or the companion publication, The Beginner's Guide to a Career in Law 2024 , please contact info@lawcareers.net.

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Good written and verbal communication skills. Lawyers advise people in person, over the phone and in emails and letters, so writing and speaking with confidence is crucial. Attention to detail. This is one of the cornerstones of the legal profession, so it's essential that you take a careful and thorough approach to all the work you produce as an apprentice, checking and rechecking as you go. Good interpersonal and customer service skills. As an apprentice you'll meet a wide range of different people, from colleagues in your organisation to clients that need one of your legal services. You must be friendly, enthusiastic and professional, even with difficult clients. The ability to work well as part of a team. Solicitors and the other types of lawyer found in law firms rarely work alone. A law firm is one big team divided into smaller teams with different areas of expertise who help each other out, so as an apprentice you'll work closely with others. Being a team player is essential. Strong organisational skills. Apprentices must stay on top of multiple tasks and be able to prioritise and meet deadlines. They also need to balance their law firm role with studying part time, so it's important to work hard and be organised. A strong academic track record. Law is an intellectually rigorous and demanding profession. Employers will look for evidence of a strong work ethic, so work hard at getting the best results you possibly can during your GCSEs and A levels (if applicable). A desire to learn. Although a law apprenticeship offers a great opportunity to get straight onto a fulfilling career path after leaving school, the learning has only just begun once you join a law firm as an apprentice. You'll train and study to become an expert legal professional, so enthusiasm to learn more is a must. A law apprenticeship combines an interesting job and training at a law firm with part-time study. This means hard work, but the rewards are well worth it. Here's a checklist of the necessary skills and what you must do to get off to a flying start as a legal apprentice. Your legal apprenticeship skills checklist:

A passion for the firm. Legal apprenticeships vary in length depending on what level they are but most solicitor apprenticeships last six years. Do your research and make sure you only apply to firms you can see yourself growing with.

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The helpline is open from A level results day until a week after GCSE results day.

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Courses and qualifications for 14 to 19 year olds

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Help and advice on choosing the right A level subjects for you

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Choosing a good subject combination to suit your interests & university entrance requirements, what's important, what to be careful about etc

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Choosing your A Levels - what you need to consider

If you are thinking about taking A Levels you need to choose subjects:

you will enjoy;

you believe you will do well in;

that will help you get to where you want to go in the future.

After A Levels, many students go on to higher education at 18/19 either full time or part time, whilst others look for an apprenticeship or a job, or a combination of these. You need to make sure that your choice of A Level subjects allows you to keep your options open if you haven't got a specific career in mind, or will help you get the career or job you would like to do.

Tips on choosing your subjects:

The Uni Guide has information on the different A levels you need to study different degrees and lots of other articles about A Levels.

Choosing your A Levels needs careful research to think through your possibilities. Take advice from family, friends and teachers so you can make an informed decision, based on accurate up-to-date information - but remember, the final choice is yours as you are the one that will have to put the hard work in!

Things to consider:

A Levels are a big step up from GCSEs - they are harder! So choose your subjects wisely. Your career or degree ideas may change so make sure you choose subjects which you like and can do well in.

If you are taking a science A Level, you should consider whether you need to look at taking another science or maths, particularly if you are interested in scientific careers or courses.

If you have a career or future degree in mind:

If you have a specific career in mind, check to see if you will need specific A Level subjects. Look at the job profiles within job sectors to find out more.

If you have a specific degree course in mind, you need to check the entry requirements. Some university courses are very specific about the A Level subjects required - other degree subjects are very flexible. Check entry requirements on theUCAS website or on individual university websites which you can find though our degree course search.

If you do not have a career or degree in mind:

If you have no idea about your choice of career or choice of degree subject at this stage (many students are in this position!), then make sure you choose a combination of subjects that will keep your preferred options open.

Some schools and colleges offer both A Levels and BTEC qualifications. You may like to consider a combination of qualifications as this might suit your learning and assessment style.

Some A Level subjects are regarded by virtually all universities as being acceptable. These are sometimes known as 'facilitating' subjects such as Maths, English, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, History, Geography or a foreign language. Some universities are stricter than others on this issue - the Informed Choices site is a good source of information to help you choose.

Don't be afraid to email the universities during Y11 to ask for their advice about the subjects required for a course you are interested in - either email the Admissions Tutor or the Course Tutor (you'll find their email details on the university's website).

If you are unsure of your career choice or degree choice, then think carefully about your combination of subjects. It is hard to pick up 3 or 4 new subjects that you have never studied before.

Watch the video: How to choose your A-levels the right way

A few dos and don'ts when choosing A Levels

Do research each A Level thoroughly - talk to your teachers to find out what is involved in the course. Talk to students who are already taking that subject. Find out how the course will be assessed and whether this will suit you and your strengths. Ask for some honest feedback from your teachers as to how they think you would do at A Level.

Don't assume you will like the subject at A Level just because you liked it at GCSE - it could be really different!

Do be careful with your combination of choices - some universities might not like a combination of subjects that they feel are too similar, such as Business and Economics etc.

Don't take all new subjects - it could be too much to cope with having 3 or even 2 new areas of study.

Don't take English and Maths at A Level because you think this is what employers want or because they are good subjects to fall back on. Take them if you are good at them and really interested in studying them further - most employers are happy with them at GCSE level.

Don't take subjects because you need them for your chosen career if you don't really like the subject or it is not one of your stronger subjects.

Try out the The Uni Guide A Level Explorer

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If you are thinking about taking A Levels you need to choose subjects: you will enjoy; you believe you will do well in; that will help you get to where you want to go in the future.

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CONTENTS

A Levels (Advanced Levels) and AS Levels (Advanced Subsidiary) are courses that students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland take after GCSEs. They're the most common qualifications for university admission. Other qualifications include Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers and other alternatives to A Levels.

A Levels are two-year qualifications that give students a chance to study an existing GCSE subject in greater depth or try a completely new subject like Law, Drama or Economics.

What to expect from A Levels

An increase in difficulty compared to GCSEs

Differences in the way you're taught and what's expected from you

More independent study time - you'll only have between three and five subjects to study as opposed to ten or more at GCSE, meaning less time in the classroom

How many A Levels can you take?

Students can take up to five A Levels but you generally choose three A Levels to study for a two-year course. You can decide to work towards AS qualifications or combine the two. Discuss your options with your school or college and find out whether they'll offer both AS and A Levels so you can decide the best route for you. The vast majority of schools and colleges now focus on A Levels, with the one-year AS Level less popular and available.

If you already know what you'd like to study, you can contact the university admissions office and ask about entry requirements for the course(s) you're interested in.

How many GCSEs do you need to do A Levels?

Most schools and colleges will expect you to have gained at least five 9-4 (A*-C) grades in your GCSEs. However, other pathways are available including BTEC and other vocational courses.

Requirements can vary from four to six passes, so you should check with your school or college. Often you'll need a GCSE at grade 5-6 (B) or above in a subject if you want to continue it at A Level.

GCSEs have also changed in recent years, with most students in England now getting new numerical grades (9-1) and changes to exams, coursework and specifications.

Take advice from your school careers advisor and university admissions departments so you can make an informed decision based on accurate and up-to-date information. It's worth asking questions and researching entry requirements for courses at various universities to get a good idea of the subjects you should take.

Things to consider when choosing your A Levels

If you want to go to university, the main question to ask yourself is: 'Do I know what I want to study at university?'. Your answer will dictate which subjects you should choose for A Levels.

It's perfectly normal not to know what you want to do for a career, or what you want to study at university. Many graduates go on to work in fields unrelated to their chosen degree. However, if you have aspirations for a certain career, you'll need to take a related degree. For example, subjects such as Law, Medicine, Architecture and Veterinary Science will all need specific qualifications.

If you already know what you want to study at university

Knowing what you want to study at university puts you in a good position when choosing your A Levels. Your first step should be to check entry requirements on university websites for your chosen course.

A lot of courses will specify at least one subject you'll need to have studied at A Level. For example, Medicine, Veterinary Science and certain Engineering courses may need three specific subjects. Also some universities publish a list of preferred A Level subjects that are acceptable for general admission, as well as specific requirements for individual courses.

If you don't know what you want to study at university

You may not be sure what you want to study at university, or if you want to go at all. Don't worry, as it means you can choose whichever subjects you want (within reason) and let that dictate your degree choice should you go on to study at university.

There are eight 'facilitating' subjects listed by Russell Group universities to help you keep your degree options open until you decide which course to take:

Biology

Chemistry

English Literature

Geography

History

Maths and Further Maths

Modern and Classical Languages

Physics

Generally speaking, taking two facilitating subjects will keep a wide range of degrees open to you. Make sure you still choose subjects you like - you'll be studying them for the next two years.

If you're still uncertain, phone or email the university admissions or schools liaison team for their advice before finalising your choices.

Other factors to consider when choosing A Levels

What you're good at - your career or degree plans may change so make sure you choose subjects you can do well in

What you enjoy - if you don't enjoy a subject at A Level but need it for a specific university course, you might want to reconsider your degree preference

Your subject combination - if you're taking a science A Level, for example, you should consider whether you need to look at taking another science or maths subject

The syllabus - knowing the course content should tell you whether a particular A Level is the right option for you

The workload you can handle - for example, some courses may involve a lot of essay writing, so be realistic about how much work you can do

Course entry requirements are used to help admissions staff at universities pick students for their courses. Many courses will have more applicants than places so they'll set an entry requirement to allow them to reduce the number of students to consider.

Specific course requirements (e.g. Chemistry and Biology for a Biochemistry course) are there to make sure students can cope with the pressures of the course content itself. The majority of university courses look for at least Cs in GCSE English and Maths. Some courses go further and list specific subjects and grades they expect you to have.

Remember that some courses may only consider certain A Level qualifications or accept certain qualifications when taken with another. This will depend on what the university department is looking for.

For example, a History department may be looking for students who can write essays and handle exams, and so might have a preference for A Level or Highers students. If you're a BTEC student, look out for courses that name specific units you need to pass with specific grades.

Check our subject guides to see if a course might need specific A Level subjects (or equivalent).

Keep in mind

Some universities discourage students from taking certain combinations of A Levels - this tends to be for very similar subjects such as Business Studies and Economics, or Maths and Further Maths

Core Maths generally isn't a suitable substitute for AS or A Level Maths or Further Maths

If you do too many practical or vocational subjects (such as PE, Music Technology, Media Studies, Textiles or Drama), it may limit what you can study at university - some universities include these in lists of 'non-preferred' subjects

Highly selective courses such as Medicine may state that A Levels should be taken in the same sitting after no more than two years of study - this can affect you if you're looking to repeat some exams after sixth form or if you've taken some exams early

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CONTENTS A Levels (Advanced Levels) and AS Levels (Advanced Subsidiary) are courses that students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland take after GCSEs. They're the most common qualifications for university admission. Other qualifications include Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers and other alternatives to A Levels.

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