Graduating with a legal degree is a phenomenal achievement, marking the start of your journey in a career in law. The transition from academic life to the professional world can be daunting. As a legal recruitment agency, we’ve helped many law graduates into their first legal careers, so we’ve put together all our recruitment advice in a comprehensive guide to help you secure your first role in the legal industry.
Understanding the legal job market
Before you start applying for roles, make sure you take some time to understand the landscape of the legal job market. Different sectors within the legal industry (e.g. corporate law, property law, family law, etc..) have varying demands and hiring processes. Research the types of roles available for newly qualified lawyers, including:
Trainee solicitor positions in law firms.
Pupillages for aspiring barristers.
Paralegal roles as a stepping stone to further qualifications.
In-house legal positions in a variety of companies
Government legal service positions.
Work experience, graduate schemes, internships and mini-pupillages
Experience is key to succeeding in your legal career. Chances are you have done some form of work experience as part of your legal degree, but to give you the best chance seek out further opportunities for work experience placements, graduate schemes, internships, mini-pupillages, or volunteer positions to help you gain valuable insights and to build up your professional network. These types of roles can often lead to job offers, but even if they don’t, they will give you evidence of work experience to help you stand out from the crowd.
Some key steps include:
Apply early: Many work experience placements or graduate schemes have application deadlines well in advance. So get yourself in the mix as early as possible.
Target the right opportunities: Focus on positions that align with your career aspirations, there’s very little point going for opportunities that aren’t going to lead to the legal career you want and may pigeon-hole you into that area which may then be hard to move out from.
Network: Tap into your university’s alumni network and build professional connections to uncover opportunities. Use the likes of LinkedIn and legal groups and communities to help build your network.
Optimise your CV and covering letter
Your CV and covering letter are your first impression with potential employers. Often decisions are made based on what is included, so make sure your CV and covering letter sell you in the best light. They should be clear, concise, and tailored to each position you apply for. If you are interested in a few different areas of law, create tailored CVs specific to each area of interest focusing on the key skills needed for each area.
CV Tips:
Highlight relevant experience: Emphasise as much of your relevant work experience as possible including internships, mini-pupillages, and volunteer work.
Showcase academic achievements: Include your degree classification, any awards you may have achieved, and details of relevant coursework, research papers or dissertations.
Include skills: List your specific legal skills, such as research, drafting, and client communication. Make sure these are relevant to the position you are applying for.
Professional format: Use a clean, professional layout and avoid unnecessary graphics.
Covering Letter Tips:
Customise for each application: Address specific qualifications and interests related to the job.
Be concise: Keep it to one page, focusing on how your background makes you a good fit.
Show enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in the position and the organisation.
Network, Network, Network
As we’ve already touched upon, building a professional network is crucial for advancing in legal careers. Many job opportunities will arise through the connections you make.
Networking Strategies:
Join professional associations: Organisations like The Law Society and the Bar Council offer networking events and resources.
Attend events: Participate in legal conferences, workshops, and local Law Society events.
Use social media: Maintain an active LinkedIn profile, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals in your field.
Informational interviews: Reach out to lawyers in your desired field to learn about their career paths and seek advice.
Work with a specialist legal recruiter
Partnering with a trusted legal recruiter like Gerrard White can give you a significant advantage in your legal career search. As legal recruitment experts, we have insider knowledge of the legal job market and can connect you with legal opportunities that may not be publicly advertised.
Benefits of working with a specialist recruiter:
Access to exclusive opportunities: Access to job openings that are not yet advertised.
Personalised career advice: Receive tailored guidance on your CV, covering letter, and interview preparation.
Industry insights: Benefit from a deep understanding of the legal market and hiring trends.
Ongoing support: Ongoing continuous support and feedback throughout your legal career, helping you stay motivated and on track and providing expert advice when you need it on things like salaries and career progression.
Preparing for interviews
Interviews are your chance to showcase your skills and passion for a career in law. They can be daunting, so it is important to prepare in advance to give you the best chance.
Interview Preparation Tips:
Research the organisation: Understand its history, culture, and recent cases or projects.
Practice common questions: Prepare answers for questions about your background, strengths, weaknesses, and why you’re interested in the role.
Mock interviews: Practice with friends, mentors, or career services.
Prepare questions: Have insightful questions ready for your interviewers to show your interest and enthusiasm.
Be open to alternative career paths
While securing a traditional paralegal/trainee solicitor position or pupillage is a common goal, there are numerous exciting legal careers to explore. Roles in compliance, legal technology, contract management, and more can provide valuable experience and open doors to future opportunities. Many law firms will advertise roles internally before making them public, so there are often opportunities to move internally.
Stay Persistent and Positive
The job search process can be long and sometimes discouraging, but it is also a journey full of learning and growth. Stay persistent, keep a positive attitude, and celebrate every small victory along the way.
Persistence Tips:
Set goals: Create a timeline and set achievable goals for your job search activities
Seek feedback: If you’re not getting interviews, ask for feedback on your CV and covering letters. Work closely with your recruiter if you are using one as they will be able to provide you with useful advice.
Stay proactive: Continue networking, applying, and improving your skills (for example, there are plenty of free online courses to help improve your administrative skills, research skills and communication skills – so utilise these in your free time!).
Positivity Tips:
Take breaks: Avoid burnout by taking regular breaks and engaging in activities you enjoy.
Celebrate small wins: Recognise and celebrate your progress, even small achievements.
Stay connected: Lean on your support system of family, friends, and mentors.
Your legal career journey
Securing your first role in the legal industry is a significant milestone, and with dedication, perseverance, and the right strategies, you can achieve your career goals. Remember, every application, interview, and networking opportunity is a step toward building a successful legal career. Keep refining your approach, stay informed about industry trends, and continuously seek opportunities to grow professionally.
Ultimately, the journey from graduation to securing your first legal role is unique for everyone. Embrace the challenges, learn from each experience, and don't hesitate to seek support and advice from mentors, peers, and legal recruitment agencies, like Gerrard White.
01892 553355 | info@gerrardwhite.com
