Over half of all law graduates eventually progress into the legal profession after undertaking the necessary further study and training. That means that almost half eventually go into other fields, many of which require either postgraduate study or relevant work experience. Law graduates are particularly sought after by employers in the business and finance sector and also by employers in public advisory bodies such as Citizens Advice Bureaux and local authorities. Nevertheless, 2008 statistics show that, six months after graduation, more law graduates were on the road into the legal profession than were finding employment in any other sector. Where are the jobs?If you qualify as a solicitor, there are openings in many different types of legal practices. High street solicitors’ practices offer the widest range of caseloads, from criminal and family to probate and business law. Local government also provides diverse opportunities. Corporate law firms encourage early specialisation, often, but not exclusively, in commercial applications of the law. If you qualify as a barrister, you can practise in a similarly large number of diverse areas of law, but as an expert advocate. You could also train as a legal executive, paralegal or licensed conveyancer. For more information see legal services. However, the legal profession is just the tip of the iceberg and you might want to investigate employment opportunities in areas such as: See industry insights for further information on possibilities in other employment areas. Statistics are collected every year by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) to show what HE students do immediately after graduation. These can be a useful guide but, in reality, with the data being collected within just six months of graduation, many graduates are travelling, waiting to start a course, paying off debts, getting work experience or still deciding what they want to do. For further information about some of the areas of employment commonly entered by graduates of any degree discipline, check out what do graduates do? and your degree...what next?
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