As a law student, as well as gaining knowledge of law, you develop the following skills: - problem-solving;
- research;
- analytical skills;
- writing concisely;
- drafting formal documents with precision;
- confident oral communication;
- ability to pay close attention to detail.
If you want to enter the legal profession, it is important to participate in extracurricular activities at university, such as those organised by your university’s law society, and to gain legal work experience. Some universities arrange for law undergraduates to offer supervised advice sessions to other students or members of the public - seize this opportunity if it arises! Beyond university, try to arrange vacation placements or mini pupillages. Informal work experience can often be organised with smaller solicitors’ firms, law centres, citizens advice bureaux, in the courts and with legal departments in central/local government. Intending city lawyers should also think of obtaining experience in a business or financial environment. Remember that employers from beyond the legal profession seek skills acquired through the study of law. Employers, both inside and outside the profession, will also look for evidence that you have learnt from experiences beyond your course. Consider the skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile. Take a look at applications, CVs and interviews for some useful tips.
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